This is my annual Christmas message in which I share a bit about my faith and I don’t apologize for it. I’ll return to posting the usual content in the next post. If reading this post would offend you, then stop here and find something else to read. But I challenge you to read it anyway. You might learn something new.
The apostle Paul was an amazing man by any account; a “pharisee of Pharisees” if there ever was one. Then after a personal encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6-11), intending to punish and imprison every Christian he could find, he became the greatest missionary that the church has ever known. But few know what an experienced seaman he was.
Paul traveled throughout Asia Minor, much of it by sea. He sailed an estimated 6,800 miles in ancient cargo ships, much of it with great discomfort and difficulty. He was shipwrecked three times and spent a night and a day drifting at sea (2 Cor. 11:25). Yet even when all the professional sailors around him feared certain death in a storm, he knew by faith that God would save his life and the lives of those with him (Acts 27).
Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship…So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.
Acts 27:22, 26
After abandoning their life boat, throwing out four anchors, and running with the wind directly at a reef, all were saved just as he said. That’s amazing faith. He risked his life countless times and devoted his life to spreading the news that a Savior was born into mankind and had died for their sins.
This man who gave his approval to the execution of a young disciple of Jesus named Steven was himself beheaded for the same offense by emperor Nero after allegedly burning Rome.
As you and your family celebrate the birth of the Christ at this time when evil and darkness seem unchecked, remember the words of Paul of Tarsus, take heart and have faith.
Ever windward,
$tingy
The $tingy Sailor 
Great message! I applaud your willingness to verbalize the gospel this special time of the year. May God remain with you and yours.
Your brother in Christ,
Tom
Thank you and Merry Christmas ! I try to evangelize every day. I named my bo
Amen my brother!
“…and let your heart not be troubled”
Thanks for sharing your faith. I’m new to being a sailboat owner so appreciate meeting other brothers in the Lord. I’ve been talking to my brother (a real sailor) about sailing the Aegean Sea to follow Paul’s journey – maybe sometime in the near future. Merry Christmas and thanks for the “stingy” tips.
Praise to the Lord Jesus Christ! Risen Lord! King of Kings! Alpha and Omega! And fisher of men! Thank you for catching me in your net Jesus and thanks for your message stingy sailor!
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Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!
Thank you Stingy. Merry Christmas! You have helped guide me for many years. Art from Mesa AZ
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Thank you Stingy Sailor. You echo my thoughts exactly.
Bless you this Christmas.
Rob
We have recently sold out fantastic old Ensenada 20′ trailer sailer but still very much enjoy your posts, especially your annual Christmas letter. Thanks for all the help you’ve been to us over the years by sharing your nautical knowledge and the blessing we have recieved as you share your faith. Merry Christmas!
And I will continue on the acts of the apostles ACTS 27: 28 “After we had escaped, we then learned that the island was called MALTA. And the natives showed us unusual kindness…..”
and that is the island where I actually live.
Thanks dear Stingy Sailor and best wishes
That is very cool, thanks for sharing!
God bless and thank you
Merry Christmas
I can’t find the password
Dear Stingy,
Wishing you and yours love, light and peace for Christmas and always.
Merry Christmas.
Louise 1981 Catalina 22, Abaco North Hatley, QC Canada
Our boat’s name is Fair Havens, so this message particularly appropriate for us.
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, we should remember and try to emulate the faith of these apostles.
Merry Christmas and fair winds to all, wishes for you all for the faith to find your Fair Havens.
J
It’s wonderful to see so many believers following Stingy Sailor. He is a blessing both naturally and spiritually. And we are all blessed to know the Lord!
God Bless You and Your Family in this Christmas season!
I am not ashamed of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes—to save the Jews first, and then to save non-Jews. (Romans 1:16, ESV)
We were blessed by your post! Merry Christmas. May God bless you in all of your endeavors. Stay safe! Stay Stingy!
Charlie & Sara
S/V Grace
I love your openness about your faith. I too am a believer and have been saved for almost 25 years. I actively share my faith. I use my boat as a way to stimulate conversation as I named her Agapé. Folks ask what that means and the door opens!
Peace
A very comforting piece. I enjoyed reading and thinking about it.
Cuan Sailor
“If I had had more time I would have written a shorter letter.” I don’t know how long you worked on this post, but it is perfect! Thank you for sharing your faith, for your clarity and your sincerity. Dan Reeves
Yes, and Yes! Thank you, ________________________________
I’m not a religious person, but I honor your faith and enjoyed your message very much.
You’re right, regardless of whether a person shares our belief system or not, we should all take the time to learn what brings joy and peace to our brothers and sisters on this planet. It’s important to remember we are all much more the same than we are different. It doesn’t hurt to read about someone else’s faith if it doesn’t match with yours. In fact, it can help you to understand them better.
Stingy, you provide a wonderful service to all of us budget-minded sailors – and you’re a man who isn’t afraid to share the beliefs that have brought you and your expertise to us all. Who could argue with that?
Peace and goodwill to you and yours. May the blessings of the season fall upon you and all of those you love.
Thank you for your thoughtful and respectful comment. I really appreciate it.
Merry Christmas, Stingy. Thank you for the article, and thank you for your contributions to the sailing community. I’m just getting started and I’m learning a lot.
Eric
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Thank you for being open with your faith. God can use that to draw people to himself. Happy Sailing! God bless you and your family. Ed White Lawrence, Kansas
Adding my thanks once more for your columns and your witness. Keep it up! Blessings, Bob Elmer (former Lake Pend Oreille sailor)
Dear Stingy – Thank you and Merry Christmas. You have generously shared your knowledge about many things, which is the hallmark of a worthy soul in my book. Be well – John (Cat 22 Two Buoys Two Gulls)
Amen! This is encouraging to see you pour yourself into something you love and use that platform to honor God.