One of my favorite Christmas memories happened when my youngest son, who is autistic, first began to understand the excitement of this joyous holiday. Like most children, he was eager for Christmas morning, but my explaining the concept of “five days away” didn’t make sense to him. Numbers and dates were too abstract.

So, Suzanna, my brilliant wife, explained it to him in simple terms: “We’re going to go to sleep, wake up, go to sleep, wake up, . . .” My son caught on instantly. He started counting the sequence in his head, and on Christmas Eve he shouted with a huge smile, “Go to sleep, wake up, and CHRISTMAS!”

That moment struck me. My son needed the truth delivered in a way he could understand. Isn’t that exactly what our heavenly Father does for us?

From the opening of Genesis, God communicates clearly and simply: “So the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5). He doesn’t leave His people stumbling in the dark trying to guess His meaning. Scripture tells us, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). He speaks with clarity, so we can trust and obey Him.

The Institute for Creation Research is a group of multidiscipline Ph.D. scientists who conduct lab and field research in the fields of biology, genetics, physics, and geology, focusing their scientific study on important topics related to creation and evolution. Our dedicated support staff converts research findings into useful educational materials that consistently show that the Bible can be fully trusted in its records related to creation, Earth history, and the worldwide Flood. At ICR, we defend the clarity of God’s Word, which means that the Bible’s words should be given their normal meaning in their normal context.

Just as my son counted the “go to sleep, wake up” moments with joy, we also live with anticipation, especially at this time of year when we celebrate the Lord Jesus coming to Earth 2,000 years ago. Each day that passes brings us closer to the greatest celebration of all, because one day it will be: “Go to sleep, wake up, and Christ is here!”

We thank the Lord Jesus daily for those who uphold our ministry with their gifts of prayer and finances so that ICR can conduct its extensive research. If you are able, please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of this work. As you’ve seen in this past year, our research and education are reaching the world for Jesus Christ, who is our Creator and the Father’s great and perfect Christmas gift to us. Your generous tax-deductible gift this season will enable that to continue and expand in the coming year.

From all of us at ICR, may God richly bless you and your family this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

* Mr. Gadberry is the director of development and donor relations at the Institute for Creation Research.

Cover image: Steel engraving of Martin Luther's Christmas Tree, Sartain's Magazine, c. 1860