It is shocking that the Messiah's birth should be announced to shepherds rather than princes or priests - but that's because Jesus' birth is good news of great joy for *all* people.

Mary and Joseph seem to be in Bethlehem just by an accident of circumstance - but in fact it is God's plan unfolding in front of our eyes; He places them carefully in just the right "spot" to reboot the line of David with the long-promised deliverer.

This week we see Jesus welcoming the love poured out by a notorious wrongdoer - explaining that she loves like this because she understands how greatly she has been forgiven. Have we grasped the totality of our forgiveness? How do we respond?

John seems to be having some doubts about whether Jesus is the promised Messiah or not. Looking at how Jesus responds, we can learn about dealing with doubt.

how can we serve each other in love?

Is your picture of Jesus too small? Today's reading shows Jesus raising a widow's son from the dead - but he has more power than this. It's a sign of who he truly is - and as we grasp his identity, he transforms our life.

Jesus calls us to respond to others with the grace we've been shown - and as we do this, we'll build a legacy of disciples.

Jesus calls us to humility in order to help others towards him.

Jesus teaches us how to respond to our enemies.

The blessed life is an uncomfortable one: living in dependence on God, longing for restoration, speaking for Jesus and yet rejected. It's uncomfortable but in the end it's worth it.