And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

Luke 2:8-18

Here are 3 ways to enjoy Christ and follow the example of the shepherds:

Intent

Invest

Invite 

1.) Intent

Come to church with intent to meet with God. Pray God would reveal more of himself to you this Christmas!

Pray for All Souls Church to be a place people can find refuge and hope. Pray that you would hear from God and experience him in Word and worship.

Take a care pack to hand out to the unhoused people in your area.

Christmas Service Sunday the 22nd at 11am

Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Christmas Eve at 4pm

2.) Invest

   “God loves a cheerful giver” 

2 Corinthians 9:7

Invest in All Souls Church as part of the Kingdom of God. Not out of obligation or guilt, but as an offering to the Lord and to support your local church. Consider giving a little extra or maybe for the first time.

Christmas is the season of giving because God gave his Son.

At Christmas, we experience Jesus’ teaching “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

You can give here or in the offering boxes at church.

We are praying to finish 2024 strong financially.

Join us in this prayer.

3.) Invite

Many people in your life will consider going to church if you invitethem. Especially at Christmas time.

Statistics show that an invite to church is the primary reason that people become Christians. 

They come and hear the gospel and God changes their heart. Or they come at Christmas and when life hits the fan they might consider coming back looking for answers and support.

Consider inviting at least one person. Of course you can’t control if they come, but if we all put out an invite some might come!

I will be inviting my neighbor Steve. He always says “no” but he is open to God and has asked me to pray with him. Pray with me “Save Steve!”

Looking forward to being with you all this Christmas!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Harvey