Christmas at the Grand Canyon
As I child, one of my favorite nights of the entire year was Christmas Eve. It was one where my family would turn the lights and music down low, light some candles, and gather together to read the Christmas story from the Bible. After our family time reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, we would go to bed.
I’d like to say we’d soon be asleep, but that was far from the truth. As a young boy lying in bed and staring at the small strand of Christmas lights in my bedroom window, the anticipation of Christmas morning was all I could think about. The vision and excitement of new gifts—both given and received—was mingled with family, food, and further festivities.
I had that same feeling of excitement the night before my first Grand Canyon river trip, nearly 10 years ago. But rather than sugar plums filling my head, it was the anticipation of the unknown. We were set to venture down the grandest canyon on earth over the next seven days. What would await us? Very much the same thing as a Christmas morning.
If you’ve been on a river trip or rim tour with us, I’m sure you smile at the thought of the constantly-unveiled “gifts” at every turn of the river or new overlook above, of witnessing the canyon’s starry lights arrayed at night, or the shared times with our family of guides and fellow guests on that adventure.
Every day at the Grand Canyon is Christmas morning. 
You are part of our Canyon Ministries family. Because of this, we want to share with you our vision for what’s next for Canyon Ministries and a way for you to help unwrap the next “Christmas morning” for those who have yet to come our way.
If Canyon Ministries has in some part had a meaningful impact on you, I would ask you to click here to learn about our 2021 vision of being a VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS, and how YOU can be a part of that amazing work.
Much love, and a Merry Christmas—each and every day!
Nate Loper & the Canyon Ministries Team
