A Christmas Letter from Butch Wilmore
Reflections on home, worship, and the Savior who holds every season
Last Christmas, NASA astronaut Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore celebrated the holiday far above the earth aboard the International Space Station—never imagining his stay would stretch many months longer than planned. Now, home again and settling back into life on the ground, he shared a few reflections on what Christmastime means to him after a year unlike any other.
My friends,
Being home this Christmas feels sweeter than I can fully express. After so many months in space, longer than anyone expected, the ordinary parts of life have become some of the greatest gifts. There’s a gratitude the Lord has grown in me that I don’t ever want to lose.
One of the things I’ve missed the most is hearing our congregation sing together in worship. Standing among brothers and sisters, lifting our voices to the Lord, moved me in a way I didn’t anticipate. After the quiet of space, that sound alone felt like coming home.
Even something as simple as sleeping in my own bed has felt special. Sleeping in space is “sweet” in its own way, but nothing compares to your own pillow and the comfort of familiar gravity, especially after it took months for my body to fully adjust again. Rest itself has become something I thank God for.
My extended time away also changed how I look at the rhythms of this season. In years past, putting up the Christmas tree might have felt like a chore. Not this year. This year, it is a privilege, one more reminder of God’s kindness in the simple things.
Through much of the mission, the Lord kept drawing me back to Philippians 4:11–13:
"I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Those verses anchored me. Contentment doesn’t come from perfect circumstances. It comes from Christ, whether you’re floating miles above the earth or sitting at the table with the people you love. He is steady and near and He is all sufficient.
As we celebrate Christmas, my hope is that we all remember the true center of this season. Christ is the reason we celebrate. Every hymn, every gathering, every tradition points back to Him. Without Him, even our biggest dreams fall short. With Him, every moment is filled with purpose.
To the children dreaming of space, or any big dream, I’d simply say this: dream boldly, but keep Christ at the center. Without Him, our ambition becomes empty. With Him, our lives bear fruit that lasts.
This year, I’m grateful. Grateful for home, for worship, for community, and for the Savior who holds every unexpected moment in His hands.
Merry Christmas,
Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore
NASA Astronaut
Want to hear more of Butch’s story? Watch his exclusive interview from the ISS on The Heirloom Podcast.
