A message from Martha Snyder, Executive Director

  Christmas has always been a time of gifts and giving. Centuries ago the prophet Isaiah foretold the giving of an amazing gift that would have effects beyond belief:

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them…. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us…and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:2, 6)

   Although the passage tells of  a one-time historical event—the birth of Jesus that would illuminate a dark world—it also describes a gift that continues to be offered; for the light, life, counsel, and peace of Christ are gifts presented to each and every generation, each and every moment of the day.

   This is our calling at Idyllwild Pines: to impart the gift of Jesus to all who come, generation after  generation. We offer His light to those in darkness, His life to those needing renewal, and His peace to those in turmoil. We’ve been saying for months that “God is doing a new thing here at Idyllwild Pines,” and He is. But His new thing is actually a renewed thing.

   It is in this spirit that we wish you and yours a Christmas season of newness and renewal. As we open the gifts we receive this Christmas season, may we do so with the realization that the greatest gift has already been given. May this precious gift from our Father continue to be shared with others by each one of us again and again throughout the New Year.

Merry Christmas and God’s very best to you in the New Year,

The Staff and Board of Directors of Idyllwild Pines Camp and Conference Center