When the Angels appeared to the lowly shepherds on Christmas Day, it set the example for the type of ministry Jesus would have, and the type of ministry we are to have. Like Jesus, we are to minister to the lowly and downtrodden, the shunned and forgotten.

It’s Christmas Eve, the night of Jesus’ birth. Final meal prep is taking place for family celebrations, “Santa” is busy wrapping presents, and children everywhere are wondering if they’ll get the latest PS5. Soon there will be Christmas Eve services where families will end singing ’Silent Night’, candles lit, hearts filled with memories of Christ’s birth.

We are to celebrate Christmas with gifts, family, friends, and even lights… but do take a moment to remember God the Father’s heart for you and me. He sacrificed and gave His only Son so that we can have life to the full. So that we can have eternal life forevermore.

The Son of Man came to serve, rather than be served. That’s the love of Christmas. Is that the kind of love that you’ve experienced?

God is with you. And as you carry out your day, acknowledge His presence, talk with Him, walk with Him. Like any earthy relationship in our lives, communication helps it grow. Well, the same is with God. Be intentional by spending time with Him today - because He is already there.

Sometimes in the midst of life's seriousness we need to listen to the laughter coming from a manger - from a car seat - and remember that the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us rules over Heaven and Earth!

As Christ-followers, we are called to love God and to share His love (Agape love) with all those around us. We are to love selflessly, unconditionally, putting the needs of others before ourselves.

This Christmas, Jesus is offering the same to us. He is offering all of Himself to heal not only our physical needs, but our spiritual, mental and emotional needs as well. If you don’t believe He would heal you because you are too broken, He will! He ate with tax collectors and sinners. I love the beautiful picture of the Last Supper, when Jesus used bread to represent His body, broken for all of us, no matter how sinful, to secure our place in heaven.

This world will not be peaceful. Our friendships and family member relationships will not be perfectly peaceful. Our hearts will never be deeply peaceful. However, the Good News of Jesus Christ is that HE gives us peace through our relationship with God.

Jesus is the gift that never stops giving. This Christmas, find satisfaction in Christ, not the things of this world.