A Message of Gratitude and Hope

Dear Baylor Family,

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and move through Advent toward the miracle of Christmas, my thoughts often turn to favorite verses in the Bible. Around Thanksgiving in particular, I find my heart centered in the joy of God’s love when I read in Psalms, “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving” (95:2) and “It is good to give thanks to the Lord” (92:1).

On Baylor University’s campus and throughout the Baylor Family, we have so many things to be thankful for. Even through the challenges we have faced, God has blessed us beyond measure with the strength of his love and mercy and with the joy of preparing students for lives of leadership and service. I am particularly grateful to everyone who contributed to Baylor’s forward progress this past year – for those who are helping us achieve big goals through your work as part of our faculty and staff, for our remarkable students who enliven our classrooms and campus, and for the many gifts of time and treasure given by alumni, parents and friends of the University.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and community gatherings. It is a season, moreover, that offers an opportunity to practice gratitude in a manner that opens our hearts to joy, generosity, and peace. Accordingly, Baylor is very intentional in identifying opportunities to demonstrate our Christian mission among our campus community, throughout the Baylor Family and into the world.

During the month of November, we have participated in “A Season of Thanksgiving,” an initiative that invites the Baylor Family to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Now, as we move into the Christmas season, there are more ways to find inspiration and pursue deeper connections with one another and the University. Among these:

• Advent devotionals written by members of the Baylor Family will be available online Nov. 30 through Dec. 24 to guide us through this season of anticipation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
• A Baylor Christmas, the beautiful Christmas concert featuring our many talented music students, will be broadcast in many markets during the Christmas holidays. Watch for news about dates and times.
• The Baylor Traditions Ornament program is celebrating 10 years with a new ornament and a collection of past ornaments to add to your home decor.
• Our Parents groups are gathering around the country to pray for our students as they enter finals; I know they would appreciate you joining them in prayer.  

I am so very grateful for the part you play in supporting Baylor’s mission as we strive to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service.

Wishing you abundant blessings,  

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.