VOTE

I want to share with you a story you may know well — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Rudolph was different. His bright red nose made him the target of laughter and rejection. He
was pushed aside, told he did not belong and made to feel worthless.

But one stormy Christmas Eve, the very thing that made Rudolph an outcast became the gift
that saved the day. His glowing nose lit the way for Santa’s sleigh, and suddenly Rudolph was
not only accepted — he was celebrated.

This story reminds me of how God works in our lives. The world may look at our past mistakes,
our weaknesses, or the things that make us “different” and say we do not belong. But God sees
differently. The Bible says: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God
chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Just as Rudolph’s light guided others through the storm, Jesus is the true Light of the world. He
said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have
the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Even those in prison, even in the darkest places, His light shines. And through His grace, your
life can shine too — guiding others to hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

Remember this: your past does not define you. God’s love defines you. Like Rudolph, you are
chosen for a purpose. What others may see as weakness, God can transform into strength.
What others may reject, God can redeem.

So, hold on to hope. Let Christ’s light shine in you. And know that you are not forgotten — you
are loved, you are valuable and you are part of God’s great story of redemption. With prayers
and blessings, a fellow servant in Christ.

Bobbi Shaffer
Sylvania