The Gospel of Luke tells of the night that the shepherds’ tedious routine was interrupted by an angelic announcement. There they were doing their hard, often boring, difficult work not expecting anything new or different or exciting. Suddenly everything changed as they heard the wonderful news of God’s gift to the world in a newborn child. In response, they hurried to Bethlehem to discover for themselves what God had done.
Sometimes the mission and ministry of our local congregations seems like the work of the shepherds-hard, boring, exhausting…and even sometimes hopeless. How exciting when God is revealed to us in new ways that take our breath away and the work we do for God suddenly has new hope and new vision.
Across the Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) there are exciting stories of new congregations being established, existing congregations being renewed and transformed, and leaders equipped for ministry. Great things are taking place as we join God in God’s mission for the sake of the world. In this holy season let us reach out to those broken lives that feel no joy. Let us be a beacon of light that will lead them to God’s gift of new life.
With your Christmas Offering, you support your Region’s ministry to enlist Disciples as members of a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.