I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isa43:19
Meet the characters who came across baby Jesus!
Mary–Shocked & Surprised but Surrendered (Luke 1:28-56)
Mary was shocked and surprised when she received the news from angel Gabriel that Christ was going to be born to her. But in the midst of it she learned the Lord’s plan. We need to know the plans of the Lord in such astonishing situations in our lives.
Mary was DEVOTED
Mary knew what was going to happen but did not know how it was going to happen. In such an inexplicable situation, we could witness Mary surrendering herself to the Lord’s word that came through Angel Gabriel. Likewise, there are many situations incomprehensible in our lives.
Do we devote ourselves like Mary or do we question God? Is it due to lack of faith?
Mary was DELIGHTED
Mary surrendered her to God’s plan without any further questions and her heart rejoiced. A joyful heart will sing praises to the Lord and glorify Him. Our joy should be seen in our lives these Christmas days as praising and glorifying the Lord.
How do we use our happiness?
Joseph - Righteous & Blameless (Matthew 1: 18 - 25)
Joseph was BLAMELESS
Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, was blameless. He manifested holiness in his private life. He lived righteously in those days when righteous people were rare.
Commit to the manifestation of purity and righteousness in our personal lives.
Joseph DID NOT BLAME
When Joseph learned of the events in Mary’s life, he neither condemned her according to Jewish law nor blame her. He wanted to desert her secretly, not wanting to be humiliated. Joseph's excellent character is revealed by accepting Mary as his wife after listening to the angel Gabriel. God's children obey God's voice.
We are called to respect the feelings of others like Joseph, who did not blame anyone.
Let’s show our best character by obeying the words of Jesus Christ!
Shepherds - Responded to the Sound & Light (Luke 2:10-17)
In the land of Israel, shepherds were despised and looked down upon. But, the gospel of the birth was first revealed to them. Christ is our Saviour who redeems us from sinful life.
The shepherds were DEDICATED
The shepherds, who heard about the birth of Jesus decided to see Jesus straight away. That night they saw Jesus and worshiped him. This is the obedience God is expecting from us.
What is our response when we hear the voice and words of Christ?
The Shepherds DECLARED the good news
The dedicated shepherds did not forget or hesitate to proclaim the message announced by the angel without exaggerating the experience of hearing the angel and announced this news to everyone that Jesus is Lord.
Let's proclaim the Savior to others this Christmas.
Herod -Anxiety on Position
A terrified Herod
Herod was terrified when he heard the news that a king had been born to the Jews. The birth of Jesus Christ brought joy to everyone, but Herod was troubled. The reason was that he thought his position was in danger. We can live in peace and without fear if we know Christ.
A hostile Herod
Fear created enmity in Herod's life. The king, who confirmed the birth of Christ through the religious leaders, spoke deceitfully to the wise men. In fact, there is no intention of seeing or worshiping Jesus. A life that does not accept Christ will cause deception and enmity.
A revengeful Herod
Fear and enmity resulted in adverse actions. He ordered to murder boys under the age of two to kill Jesus. Evildoers will engage in such destructive activities. Let us pray for the protection of the believers in Christ.
The Wise Men - Well informed but went wrong
The Wise Men misunderstood
They have mastered Astronomy, know the times on earth, and the events happening on earth through the star. The exceptional star that appeared in the east announced the birth of Jesus Christ and they were led to Bethlehem knowing that a king had been born to the Jews. After several days and many miles to reach Jerusalem, they missed the way and they were disappointed. Let us depend on God's guidance without leaving room for self-intellect.
The wise men lost the way but found Messiah
When they came out of the palace they saw the star again. God guided them on the right path. The star stood on the house where the baby Jesus was. Then they saw Jesus, worshiped and offered the gifts.
The wise men changed their path
After they worshiped Jesus, they were warned by God not to go to Herod's place and they went back to their country by a different route. They did not hesitate to change the old path. Let us commit to leave the path of sin and follow the path of holiness.
Simeon - Waited and Conquered
Simeon was pious
The days that Simeon lived were dark days where holiness is rarely seen in the lives of Godly people. But he led a life of righteousness and religiousness. We need to show Godly devotion in all circumstances.
Simeon led a Spirit filled life
Simeon not only lived a devoted life; his life was led by the Spirit of God. Are we living a Spirit-led life as we prepare for the second coming of Jesus?
Simeon sang praises
Simeon, who had faith in God's word, sang praises on Jesus Christ who came as a comfort to Israel, and a shining light to the Gentiles. How do we know Jesus? Are we proclaiming the gospel through our praises?
Anna - Saw an end to her tears
A disheartened Anna
Anna’s life was widowhood at a young age. She lived with her husband for only 7 years and feeling lonely and disappointed. But she received divine support despite the loss of human support. All human supports will one day completely pass us by. Let us not forget that the only constant support is the support of Christ.
A devoted Anna
From youth to old age, she worshiped the Lord incessantly in the midst of losses and tribulations. She never left the Lord's temple, fasted all day long and prayed. Let us consider it a great privilege to worship the Lord even in the adverse circumstances of life.
A Comforted Anna
She did not value her life and waited for the salvation of Jerusalem. It reminds us that she lived for others rather than for herself. As a result, at her old age, she was comforted by seeing the Redeemer of Israel. May we find salvation when we live for the salvation of others so that our lives do not revolve around ourselves.
Let's compare our lives with these 7 people and leave what we want to leave during this Christmas. Remember to share the redemption that is given to us through Jesus Christ to others. May God's peace and grace be found in our lives these days and in the new year ahead.
Translated & compiled from the DLM Publications, Chennai
The message of Christmas
Is there a room for Jesus in your life?
The message of Christmas is that we should allow Jesus to come into our hearts. There was no room for Jesus in the inn when he was born. Is there a room for Jesus in your life? Are you ready to share the good news to others? But for some of us, the struggle will be how to share the reason for the season when the world seems to be upside down.
Think about the shepherds. They have a message for us. Once they heard about the birth of Jesus, they responded at once. “Let’s … see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us” (Luke 2:15). They did not just see, but shared the good news to others. In Luke 2:17, we read, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child”. The shepherds seem to have been moved by the goodness of God
But contemplate the shepherds in Luke 2:8. They were just ordinary people, nothing formal or exceptional about these men. The learning here is that they received a commission to go see the baby. After seeing Jesus, they decided to report the message. Luke 2: 18 says. “…and all who heard it were amazed”.
Is Jesus made a difference in your life? If so, you have to act like shepherds, “you have seen and heard; now you can tell”.
Here are the words at Christmas time every year. Immanuel; “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
“I am with you.”, God says. The true message of Christmas.
Be like a Shepherd and Shine like a Star.
Meet John the baptist - the "front runner" of Christ!
The wild and wooly Guy
I am Jesus's cousin. My mother, Elizabeth was a cousin of Jesus' mother, Mary. I lived in the desert, ate locusts and wild honey, and wore clothes from camel’s hair with a leather belt. I was called to announce Jesus's arrival. As I baptized people including the Lord Jesus Christ, I was called John the Baptist. Jesus's words about me, " Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). Prophets , both Isaiah and Malachi prophesied about me. I came to prepare the way for the Lord and was determined with my mission. I stood for truth and was not afraid of the religious or political leaders of my days. My death was commissioned through a heartless and cruel plot. But I felt my mission was completed and I obeyed God’s call until death.
My life lessons to you:
- God's timing in our lives is perfect
- God has a specific calling and purpose for our lives
- Humility and obedience to God matters more than anything
- Our mission in life should be knowing Jesus and making Jesus known to others
- Whatever battles we face in this world, Christ alone is our Hope and Deliverer
Christmas season 2025!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
The Greatest Gift🎁! - God's Love
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Christ, the lighthouse – a Shining Star that guides us
A light house sends a rhythmic signal across miles in an ocean that could be seen by the Mariners/ Sailors up to several nautical miles. The one who follows that light can reach a safe harbour. The lighthouse we look for is Jesus who is the light of the world.
We read in John 8:12,
“I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness
but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual light and guidance, like a lighthouse illuminating the way for ships to reach the destination. We are living in stormy times as we witness:
Destroyed Families
Divided Churches
Devastated Relationship
But we can be Sturdy and Steady in this stormy world by trusting on the solid rocky lighthouse “Jesus”. Moreover, we are called to be a lighthouse as well.
Christmas is a season of joy, Reflection, and Renewal of faith— not only a time to celebrate the birth of Christ but share His message of love and hope.
“The Lord has come! Let His love fills your homes with everlasting peace and happiness.”
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14
All is calm. All is bright. Wishing you the Christmas delight!
Keep shining like a lighthouse
Be a tower of hope to many!
