Christmas Devotionals Series

On the night when Christ was born, some shepherds stood watch over their flocks in the fields near David’s town. Luke tells us that, all of a sudden, an angel of the Lord appeared. Overwhelmed by God’s radiant glory, the shepherds cowered in fear. But the angel reassured them with good news of great joy: The Savior – the Messiah, the Lord – had been born in Bethlehem!

This unlikely audience for such a heavenly announcement then saw the skies filled with angels, each one praising God, saying:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

This Advent, as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we especially remember and pray for our brothers, sisters, and neighbors who endure war and persecution in so many places, including in the Holy Land. May we continue to find the peace that surpasses understanding in Emmanuel, our God who is with us in every circumstance, who has come to defeat sin and death, and who will come again in glory and righteousness.

This year, we have again invited several leaders from around the world to offer a meditation on Scripture and to share about celebratory customs in their home countries. We hope that these Christmas devotionals and stories will encourage you as we celebrate the Lord’s first coming and anticipate his next.

Image: “The Angel Brings Good News to the Shepherds” (1948) by Luke Hua Xiaoxian (Credit: Art & Theology)

Prayer Community

Pray for Ukraine

We live in Ukraine: not in “the situation” but in a brutal war in the 21st century on the European continent, in a country with a population of about 40 million. We did not invite this war.

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Ivan Rusyn
Prayer Community

Ivan Rusyn in Ukraine

As tensions increase over fears of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, with 130,000 troops and military hardware having been amassed on its border with Ukraine, we ask you to join us this week in our fervent prayer for peace in our country.

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Prayer Community

Rania Hendy from Egypt

I hope that my research will not only contribute to a better understanding of biblical poetry in the field of Old Testament studies, but also help pastors and preachers communicate the same everlasting message in innovative and imaginative forms.

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Prayer Community

Lucas Nascimento in Brazil

Before everyday suffering, life’s dangers and ambiguities, inexplicable violence, and the human condition in its naked fragility, the nativity scene reveals the mystery of Christmas – the mystery of the God who is not unmoved by human reality.

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Prayer Community

Jhohan Centeno in Colombia

Dear Friends, This week, Jhohan Centeno in Colombia reminds us that the God who is with us in Christ Jesus has promised to be with us to the end of the age. Located in the northwestern corner of South America, Colombia is home to over 50 million people. Approximately 74% of Colombians identify as Catholic,

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