Key Scripture: Luke 2:11-14  

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Relevance

Last Tuesday night, 11/11, saw Men's Support Mission's end-of-year special BBQ finale for 2025. 

It's generally a wonderful finish to a very busy year, and 2025 was no exception. This meeting is the only time women are allowed to attend. (No offence, ladies, but it is a men's group, after all.)

Attendance was down due to rain and illness. Last year we had around 130, but this year dropped to 90; however, enthusiasm equalled previous years. The leadership group works hard to present nights full of benefits, from engaging Christian speakers expounding on prominent topics related to men, to great music, food, and deep discussion, to planned Bible courses throughout the year on other nights.

Any man can attend the ordinary meetings during the year, but the Christmas finale is extra special. It is a time when the men's families also attend and hear about the joy Jesus brings to the world and the wonders of His love. It's an opportunity for them to reflect on the meaning of long-standing Christmas carols and the hope they usher in at this time of the year.

As we paused our singing, we were all asked to dwell on the meaning of the carol "Angels We Have Heard On High" and on the overwhelming surprise those chosen shepherds experienced as they heard a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.   

How often has that happened in history? 

At the birth of our Saviour, God surprised mere shepherds with His glory, showing them a glimpse of the spiritual realm beyond their sight. Thirty years later, that Saviour brought His glory to mere fishermen, showing them the power that came with that realm. 

Fishermen and shepherds? To some, they are basic workers, a tad above labourers. Yet, good fishermen and shepherds contain a wealth of intricate knowledge of both fish and sheep, our Saviour's favourite species, as well as the environments in which they abide. That's a lot of knowledge to add a spiritual dimension to.

The angels didn't visit every shepherd in the area; they visited only a handful who would believe. Likewise, Jesus didn't show himself to every fisherman on the Galilee shore, but only to those with believing hearts.  

The Christmas night was captivating, with the band adding the Aussie version of Jingle Bells to their repertoire, which had everyone laughing as they joined in.

But the main takeaway for us all was that, amid the apparent turmoil around the world, Jesus brings peace to every person who calls on His name, a peace that can spread to communities. Let's keep that perspective this Christmas.

Photo by Pawan Sharma

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for such an inspiring final meeting and for the richness of the carols we often overlook. Praise You for the peace that Your Son brings. Please help us all to understand the cost of securing it, and what it means to live in it.