As the song goes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Lights and decorations adorn every street corner, holiday music on the radio, brightly-wrapped presents under Christmas trees and schedules packed with parties and family gatherings — it certainly feels like Christmastime. It seems like everywhere we turn, there are sights and sounds that remind us of the season.

For many, it’s the most wonderful time of the year; however, it’s not hard to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Every year, it feels a little easier to get caught up in the shopping, decorating, party planning and more that always seem to dominate our lives during the holidays. When this happens, I urge you to take a moment, step back and remember the true reason for the season.

Christmas provides each of us with the opportunity to celebrate God’s greatest gift of all: His son, Jesus Christ. As you spend time with your loved ones this Christmas, I pray you never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.

Throughout this holiday season, I ask you to join with my family and say a prayer for the men and women serving in our country’s military. Many of them will not be with their families this Christmas as they continue to put their lives on the line to keep our country safe. Their selfless actions ensure our country continues to be the land of freedom and prosperity.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!