Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”
(which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up,
he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son.
And he gave him the name Jesus. –Matthew 1:22-25

On this holy night, we pause to reflect on the birth of Jesus—the long-awaited Messiah.
Throughout the Old Testament, God promised a Savior who would bring justice, hope, and
peace to a weary world. Isaiah prophesied, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The people of
Israel longed for this Redeemer, someone who would embody God's love and restore His
people. When Jesus came, He fulfilled that promise, becoming our Wonderful Counselor
and Prince of Peace. His presence in the world reveals God's boundless love and power, a
promise kept in the humblest of ways. As I consider the birth of Jesus, I am invited to look
into my own heart and life. Are there places where I am waiting for God's promises? Like
Simeon, who waited for years with hope and expectancy, I am called to trust that God is
faithful to His word.

The birth of Jesus was not announced as a grand spectacle but through an angel's quiet yet resounding declaration to shepherds in the fields. In Luke's Gospel, it says, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is
born this day... a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). This message brought
joy that transcends time and circumstance. In Jesus, I find a joy that fills my heart,
reminding me that I have a reason to rejoice. His birth brings a message of hope and joy
that can uplift us all.

This Christmas, who in our lives needs to hear this good news? Just as the angels shared
the message, we are called to carry the light of Christ, spreading joy and hope to those
around us. When we encounter Jesus, our hearts are moved to proclaim, “We have found
the Messiah” (John 1:41). Who might we invite to know Jesus this Christmas? This season
offers a unique opportunity to share the love of the Messiah with those who long for hope
and peace. May we carry the light of Christ in our hearts, bringing the joy and hope of the Messiah into the world.

Merry Christmas Eve.
Nina Evans