By Brooke L. Rollins – December 25, 2024 – picture credit Christianity.com As we gather this Christmas, we reflect on the enduring power of hope, faith, and perseverance—qualities embedded in both our holiday traditions and our nation’s founding story. This year, we remember Christmas time in 1774, a moment 250 years ago that set the stage for the birth of our nation. A Time of Awakening In December 1774, the American colonies faced growing oppression under the Intolerable Acts. Like the shepherds called to witness Christ’s birth, ordinary colonists—farmers, merchants, and ministers—awoke to a profound call: defend their God-given liberties, or lose them. Faith was their foundation, freedom their guiding star. Despite uncertainty, they committed themselves to a cause greater than themselves: securing liberty for future generations. Resolve and Preparation Christmas 1774 was a season of preparation, not celebration. Communities gathered in prayer and deliberation, while the First Continental Congress forged the Continental Association to resist British tyranny. Colonists stockpiled arms, trained militias, and invoked principles of natural rights and divine justice. Their faith and determination would lead to the historic battles of Lexington and Concord just months later. Courage Amid Trials The colonists’ journey was fraught with hardship. British troops occupied Boston, families faced economic strain, and doubts loomed over their ability to unite. Yet their resolve endured, sustained by faith. Like the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt, they found strength in adversity and embraced their mission with courage. Our Call in 2025 Today, we face problems that test our resolve: threats to liberty, growing divisions, and the erosion of shared values. Like the patriots of 1774, we must act with conviction, speak with courage, and lead with love. By trusting in God’s guidance and upholding our founding principles, we can secure freedom for future generations. As we lead toward the 250th Anniversary of America, we see the moment we are in. In a few short weeks a new administration will be sworn in and the hard work of restoring our founding principles – what we call America First – in every area of government will begin again in Washington D.C. This task will be immensely challenging, with many political battles to be waged, won and probably some lost. But in it all, America First Policy Institute will work and pray with everything we are to seize this moment and see it through. This is what we have all worked and believed for. Thank you for being with us on this journey to save America. Brooke L. Rollins Founder, President & CEO The America First Policy Institute Former White House Domestic Policy Chief