There's always something new to learn from the Bible readings at Christmas....It's amazing how the nativity story never 'grows old'...God's Word is truly living and active. I'm always reminded through the scripture texts that God uses ordinary people who are willing and obedient; regardless of our fears and short-comings, God is able to fulfill mighty things in our otherwise 'simple lives'.

Here's one of the things I learnt through the Christmas stories last year: - Fear often stands between 'just-living' and 'living-all-that-God-has-promised'. Four times in the events recorded, God needed to give this reminder/assurance to the people He had chosen: DO NOT BE AFRAID!This is my Christmas prayer for us: