The Leprosy Mission 2023 Advent Devotional

2023 Advent devotional

Who is this child?

2000 years ago in the dusty Middle Eastern backwater of Bethlehem, the quiet of the night was pierced with the sound of a baby’s cry. To anyone passing by, it would have been a sound they had heard many times before. Another precious new life announcing their arrival into the world. But for those gathered round the newborn, this was no ordinary baby. The cries of this little one would not fade into the night. No, they would echo through eternity, forever transforming the world into which He had just entered.

This advent, journey with us as we discover the identity of the holy infant. Through the Christmas story, we will consider this question: who is this child?

We pray that together we would once again be amazed and humbled at the baby in the manger. Our perfect, gracious, glorious Saviour - God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man.

If you feel inspired to support the work of The Leprosy Mission throughout Advent, you can donate at leprosymission.org.uk/advent

December 1 The light shining through the darkness In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all humankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5) When I was a child, the internet didn’t exist. There were no smart phones or tablets, so we created our own fun in other ways. A friend and I used to play a game we called the ‘Cecil hunt’. Cecil was my friend’s black cat. The game consisted of walking around his house with a torch, trying to locate Cecil. Cecil favoured environments that were both warm and dark, which meant that a common place to find him was the airing cupboard. But one thing was certain. Wherever the light of that torch shone, Cecil would be found. (Before I get reported to the RSPCA, Cecil always remained unharmed). The point is, darkness is no match for the light.

When John was writing his Gospel, it had been more than 400 years since the last of the prophets had written about a coming Messiah. A remnant of God’s people had returned from exile in Babylon and awaited their promised King. But there was silence. It must have felt like dark days, wondering why God had rescued them so many times, only to keep waiting for the Messiah’s arrival. Generations had come and gone. Confusion. Sadness. Questioning. But with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem, there was a new beginning.

As John’s listeners heard the opening words of his account, “In the beginning was the Word”, their minds would have connected it with the first words of Scripture, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). For John, the coming of Jesus into the world as a baby is as cataclysmic as the creation of the universe. It has significance that resonates through eternity.

Creation began with the words “let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). Light was needed for life to exist. John writes that in Jesus “was life” itself, “and that life was the light of all humankind” (John 1:4). Jesus is the source of light. He has created us and given us life. And now, light has come. Jesus, the Light of the World, has entered His creation as a human being. He has come into the world so that our earthly life does not have to be the end. He has come to rescue people out of the domain of darkness, and to transfer them into His kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). To save us, He had to become one of us.

Whatever struggles you are facing this Advent, take them to Jesus. The darkness can feel consuming, but when faced with Jesus’ light, it will be overcome. Let’s hold onto the amazing promise that when Jesus returns and we stand in the new creation, there will be no darkness, pain or sorrow, for Jesus Himself will be our light. “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23).

Chris Stratta The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 2 The immaculately conceived “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:34-35)

The thought of a newborn baby has been heavily on my mind recently. My wife, Ruth, and I are expecting our first child in the new year. We’ve been asking ourselves all the familiar questions.

What will they be like? What colour hair will they have? And, of course, will they sleep well!?

When Ruth and I discovered she was pregnant, we convinced ourselves we didn’t want to find out if we were having a boy or a girl. As the scan got closer, we realised more and more that we wanted to know. We wanted to find out something about them.

As I write, I’m looking at the picture of my daughter’s foot from our last ultrasound scan. I can count all of her toes. It’s such a precious glimpse of the future. This and the other scans are the only details we have of what she might be like. We’ve got all that journey to come, but children change everything, don’t they?

While thinking about all this change in the lead-up to Christmas, I’ve been reflecting on how the birth of Jesus was so vastly different from any other birth. Of course, Mary and Joseph must have thought those same questions – what would He be like?

Mary would have known about all the prophecies of the Messiah that was to come. The One that would change the course of human history. Then, when the angel declared that she would give birth to Jesus, she would have known that this was no ordinary baby. He is the Son of God. She would give birth to the One who would transform everything for you and me. Wow! As you go into today, take a moment to reflect on the transformation that Jesus has made in you. Take a moment to thank God for sending His Son – the extraordinary baby who changed everything. Why not also reflect on your walk with Jesus. What is it that you want Him to reveal to you today?

Please also join us in lifting up every child affected by leprosy. Pray that they would be healed, safe and filled with hope.

Stuart Towell The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 3 The good news of great joy But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) Walt Disney once said “There’s no greater joy than seeing the world through the eyes of a child, and there’s a little bit of a child in all of us.”

As a mum of a young child, one of my greatest blessings is getting to see the world around me afresh through the eyes of my son. Children have a wonderful ability to be fully present in the moment. To find the wonder and joy of what lies in front of them. Whether that be the delight of exploring the outdoors, the fun of playing with friends or the excitement of a new experience.

The season of Advent can become very busy as we rush around preparing for the perfect Christmas, and this can sometimes mean we lose sight of the reason for celebrating. In Luke 2 we read how the shepherds were busy. They were going about their ordinary job of watching their sheep, when the angels appeared and suddenly their ordinary became extraordinary.

At first the shepherds were terrified as the angel announced the birth of Jesus. However, later after seeing Jesus for themselves “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen”. The shepherds’ fears were turned into good news of great joy when they took the time to interrupt their ordinary day in order to experience the awe and wonder of Jesus.

Biblical joy is more than just a happy feeling. It's a lasting emotion that comes from the choice to trust that God will fulfil His promises to us, and Jesus is the fulfilment of those promises. The real joy of Christmas is found when we focus on Him. My prayer this advent is that we take the time to look at the baby lying in a manger.

That we would do so with childlike wonder and experience the joy of Jesus’ birth as if it were for the first time.

Imogen Moore The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 4 The son born of faith “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38) Growing up, I’m sure Mary often wondered what her future looked like. Promised to Joseph, she would have been planning to make a home for both them, and the family they would eventually have. Life for young women like Mary would mostly have been mapped out. There would have been a socially acceptable order of life events. Anything that went against the grain was frowned upon.

Mary would have heard the prophecies about the Messiah through her family and religious leaders. She would have read the scriptures, which spoke of God becoming flesh.

So when met by an astonishing sight, an angel, we could forgive her if she was a little wary. Luke says, “Mary was greatly troubled at his words…”. But surprisingly Mary is ready to submit after asking just one question relating to her being a virgin. She didn’t ask to consider the offer for a few days. She didn’t want to consult a friend before responding. She wholeheartedly accepted her future. I don’t know about you, but I’m always amazed at Mary’s faith and obedience to God’s will.

The social implications of being an unmarried mother would have been enormous. There was a high probability Joseph would think Mary was having an affair, and you can understand why.

There was also the possibility that her family and friends would turn their backs on her. In light of this, her complete willingness to surrender her future to God is even more incredible. This pivotal moment, played out in Mary’s little house, was at the heart of God’s plan to save the whole of humanity.

Today, significant moments like this happen all the time. In the choices we make about our careers, family, friends and other aspects of daily life, God is stepping in and asking us to follow His path. We are called to be obedient to His will and accept the plan He has for us.

Sometimes, during these moments, we may question why God is sending us in a specific direction and want to draw away. Especially if it feels frightening and out of our comfort zone.

But it’s at times like this that we must draw close into His presence.

During this Advent, I pray you’ll find time in all the busyness of the season to reflect on the path God has carved out for you. Where might God be guiding and using you for the continued building of His Kingdom and the salvation of humankind?

Sarah Haine The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 5 The God who cares At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!” (Luke 1:39-45) Reading the passage for today reminds me of friendship. Mary, pregnant with Jesus, rushes to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Upon greeting one another, Elizabeth’s baby jumps in her womb!

Elizabeth, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit declares how blessed she is. Her joy bursts forth from her.

You can see the wonderful expression of friendship between these two pregnant women, Mary and Elizabeth. They come together and realise on a deeper level that they are connected to God's plan for the world. Our caring God doesn't leave Mary isolated and alone with her thoughts. He brings her to Elizabeth, where they support each other and marvel at His plan for their lives. Plans which they both can share in. I can see how their friendship brought forth joy!

The Lord loves friendship. He cares for us in so many ways, and one of those is by giving us friends, family, and community. Having loving friends brings so many blessings into our lives.

The Bible is filled with wonderful friendships, that we can learn from them.

David and Jonathan were loyal and caring. They had deep affection for one another. Ruth was Naomi's daughter-in-law, but much more than this, they were bound by close friendship. Jesus gathered 12 disciples and called them His friends.

Friendship is a gift from God. Friends can hold us when we are upset, they give us strength when we must make a difficult decision. A friend soothes the aching in our heart and a friend shares our burden. A friend listens and gives wisdom and advice, a friend may also say "no" and this may teach us something later. And friendship grows over time.

Thinking of Mary and Elizabeth, let us consider how God cares for us through our friendships.

Let's take time to think about friends and thank the Lord for them. Let's reflect on people that we miss and determine to make a Christmas telephone call! And let's pray that we may have room in our hearts for more friends in the coming year.

May God bless you and keep you and may you know the presence of Jesus this Christmas time.

Rachel Harris The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 6 The promised King He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; His Kingdom will never end. (Luke 1:32-33) What a wonderful shift in time zones! From eternity to history then back to eternity. And included in this journey is us! Time, seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years and millennia squeezed into a couple of verses. The sole objective of this is to tell us about Jesus.

Luke tells us about His eternal origin. He, Jesus, has always been. What an unknown concept to understand, because we’re completely time oriented, time bound and time controlled. Not so with Him. He has always been, always existed and will always be. He has no beginning and has no end. Don’t try and work it out. Accept it by faith and rejoice that sometime in the future we’ll live in a timeless eternity!

Jesus is eternal, yet He reigns from a throne established in time and place. It seems like eternity and time flow together, interwoven. At some point in eternity, time was created to accommodate the “God-image” creation known as humans. At some point in eternity, time will cease to exist. Yet the throne from which Jesus will rule, the throne that represents absolute eternal authority, will continue without end.

The King of kings will rule as the Lord of lords. No longer will the “God-image” creation be lorded over by earthly rulers, but by the Son of the Most High. The blood-washed saints, that have been born again through the ages of time, will become the Bride of Christ, joined with the Bridegroom.

No wonder Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16 “Maranatha”, or “come Lord Jesus”. The King is coming. “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:10) As we celebrate this December, culminating with the birth of Jesus, remember He had to be born on earth, die on a cross and defeat death to become our Lord and Saviour.

The one who will reign from the throne of David forever and ever. Maranatha!

Dan Izzett Ambassador for The Leprosy Mission

December 7 The one John prepared the way for He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30) It feels ironic to be focusing on John the Baptist today, when throughout his life he tried to stay out of the limelight. In his time he amassed a huge following. Instead of chasing influence and power, he was consumed with pointing people to the Saviour to come: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

(Matthew 3:11) At this time of year I'm struck by John’s humble words “He must increase, but I must decrease”.

Christmas consumer culture can feel like it’s swallowing us whole. The grocery lists mount, food choices become more extravagant. The usual food shop seems to return home with an unnecessary layer of glitter. Or is that just me?! The distractions are loud and disorientating.

John calls us back to a place with Christ at our centre. He must increase, but I must decrease.

This begs the question what does this really mean for us? How can Jesus increase in me when the world cries out for me to put myself first?

The world can be deafening at times and we fight an uphill battle. But I find worship, be it in church or dancing around the kitchen with my children, that brings my self-centred heart back to Christ. Singing God’s praises lifts my head up to my Creator. When I look at Him, I can see how John could spend a lifetime pointing to Jesus, so humbly bowing the knee to Him when He arrived.

So many of the Christmas characters were also fervent worshippers. Zechariah, having been mute through Elizabeth's entire pregnancy, bursts forth in praise at His birth. “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:68-69) This Advent I pray that those around us will see Christ in us, and as we worship the King, He would bring our hearts ever closer to Him. May Jesus increase to such a depth that He touches us at our point of greatest need, heals our brokenness, and transforms our character. May this be a Christmas to remember, as we know Jesus nearer than ever.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace” Freya Irvine The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 8 The son of a devoted stepfather This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21) In the quiet town of Nazareth, a humble carpenter named Joseph grappled with a revelation that would change the course of history. As he pondered the news of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, confusion and doubt may have clouded his mind. But in the midst of uncertainty, God sent an angel with a message that would define Joseph’s role in the divine drama unfolding before him.

Can you imagine the weight on Joseph’s heart as he discovered Mary’s pregnancy? The cultural stigma and shame, the personal hurt. But instead of trying to publicly shame Mary, Joseph looks to divorce her quietly. His initial response reveals a compassionate man, torn between love and the expectations of his society.

But the angel spoke to Joseph, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”. Joseph’s role was clear, not just as husband and protector of Mary, but also as a stepfather to the Saviour of the world.

During Advent, a season of family and fun for many, it’s easily forgotten that for some, Christmas can be a dark time; for those mourning the loss of loved ones, navigating broken relationships, or grappling with loneliness. But the story of Joseph, an often-overlooked figure in the Gospels, gives us a profound message of hope, right from the moment of Jesus’ conception. A message that demonstrates the priority God places on adoption into His family.

In looking at Joseph's role as Jesus’ stepfather, we glimpse the divine beauty of adoption. Joseph chose to embrace Jesus as his own, despite the lack of biological connection. This decision mirrors God's grand narrative of adoption—of welcoming us into His family with open arms. The very foundation of adoption, as shown by Joseph's commitment, echoes God's desire to make us His own.

God's adoption isn't based on biological ties or perfect family histories, but on His love and grace. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that we too are adopted into the family of God. Paul captures this in Ephesians 1:5 (MSG): “Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)”.

In this season, where loneliness and loss can weigh heavily, we find solace in the parallel between Joseph's step-fatherhood and God's adoption of us. It assures us that we belong not only to earthly families, but to God's, eternal and all-loving. There, the broken-hearted find hope and joy in Him forever.

Gabby North The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 9 The object of unbridled praise And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

(Luke 1:46-55) The Saviour of all mankind, born to a young peasant girl in first century Galilee. Could God have chosen a humbler situation for our Lord to be conceived?

Mary recognised her humble position when she said to the Angel Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). But equally, when visiting her cousin Elizabeth, she recognised her own elevated position as “blessed among women” (Luke 1:42), causing her to burst out into praise and worship to the Lord.

Mary’s song draws from Old Testament passages reflecting periods of time where God delivered His people, answering their cries for help. She knew the child she carried was the promised Messiah, the one who would ultimately fulfil the Lord’s promise to rescue His people from their sin.

And so Mary responds with incredible joy, recognising how blessed by God she was. Chosen to be the mother of His son, the Saviour of the world. Out of her obedience to take on such a responsibility, Mary’s faith would be known for generations to come.

Sometimes it can feel difficult to praise God when we are obeying Him. Sometimes we can feel He’s asking too much of us. Several of the prophets of old thought as much. Jeremiah was reluctant to be God’s prophet and to suffer the ridicule and scorn of the people. Jonah would have rather run away than preach to the people of Nineveh. It can be so easy to do God’s will begrudgingly.

Yet Mary celebrated her position as a part of God’s mighty plan. She knew things would be difficult but she trusted God and saw the bigger picture. Perhaps not many people in her lifetime called her blessed. I wonder how many friends and family recognised her key role in salvation history. But she rejoiced nonetheless.

God has a plan for all His children. It may not be glamourous. It may not be what you would choose. But your heavenly Father delights to use His people to bring about His plans. This Advent, why not set time aside to stop, worship and adore the God who has done great things for you?

Tamsyn Filby The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 10 The culmination of an unwanted journey In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:1-11)

If Mary could have set out the story of her son’s life, what would she have written?

Would she have written the journey to Bethlehem? The unpredictability of unknown trails and an unknown town. The fear of giving birth to her son so far from everything she knew! Would she have written the journey to Calvary? The energy He ignited in crowds. The worry (parents always worry about their children, God incarnate or not). The heartbreak and then that fateful day.

I wonder if she ever questioned why this was God’s plan. If she asked Him to change the direction of a path, rewrite the sentences of the chapter.

Mary’s jolting trek to Bethlehem led to the world-changing joy of the Christ child. Her son’s slow walk to the cross gave rise to the glory of the resurrection. Such amazing endings to such unwanted journeys.

But still, I wonder what Mary thought as she went through them.

We know to trust God. But that doesn’t mean that trusting is always easy. We know to lean on God in tough times. But that doesn’t mean we won’t ever get frustrated, or ask why we go through the things we do.

Just like Mary, we end up on unwanted journeys. Questioning God as we travel isn’t a sign of failure, weakness, or being a “bad” Christian. It’s a sign of being human – of having thoughts, fears, and hopes for our lives.

God knows we come with doubts and frustrations. But He doesn’t hold them against us.

He doesn’t want us to try and hide them away, or pretend we don’t have them.

And He never loves us less for them. Instead, He calls us to take them to Him, so we can empty some space in our turning minds for His answers.

So He can open our eyes to see even just a small glimpse of the ending.

Yes, God has amazing things in store. But He’s not just the culmination of our journeys. He’s our companion along the thorny way. He’s the God who accepts our doubts and loves us unequivocally anyway.

He is the God who says walk with me as you are, and I will bring you that same joy of a child in a stable.

Abielle Hallas The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 11 The humble God While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:6-7) Born in a manger, no room at the inn. Jesus was born in humility.

As much as this world allows, humility should underpin all we do and say, and in Jesus we have the perfect role model. One of the last lessons Jesus taught us was when he washed the feet of His disciples and asked whether they understood what He was doing. His words are for every one of us that wants to be His disciple: “You call me “Teacher” and “Lord”, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:13-15) If we are called to be children of the living God, we are called to serve one another, to love our enemies, to do unto others as we would we wish to be treated ourselves. To do that we need to be selfless. To think first about the needs of others.

One of the lessons we learn from Jesus when we study the sermon on the mount is “Blessed are the poor in Spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). On many occasions during the last few years, I have been prompted by the Holy Spirit to come back again and again to this verse.

Recently someone I met in Nigeria posted on social media the question, what does it mean to be poor in spirit? The answer came back from many people suggesting that it means to be humble, to live with an attitude of humility in all we do.

I agree with that, but in my time with God I wanted to go deeper. I came to the conclusion that being poor in spirit takes us to a place where we acknowledge and live life knowing that we need God in everything we do. That to live independently of God will mean not fulfilling our God given potential. But living with a dependence on God will bring joy, peace, and an equipping of gifts such as the fruit of the Spirit. So our hearts will be transformed that we might glorify God in all we do.

Incredibly, we see in Jesus, who we know was Immanuel - God with us, God and man. Limited by an earthly body, yet still living a life without sin. Jesus often retreated to a quiet place to spend quality time in prayer with His Father. In doing so He showed us how to cope with the trauma of our lives.

In spending time with the Father, He was equipped to live a life free from sin. There He received power from above, which gave Him all He needed to live a life like no other. Now He sits at the right hand of God interceding for each one of us. To become more like Jesus, we need to learn from His example. Only then can we follow in His footsteps, walking in humility, and bringing glory to the Father. What a privilege.

Peter Waddup The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 12 The fulfillment of a promise The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:2-7) This is a wonderful passage that speaks of the coming of Christ to establish a Heavenly Kingdom. As His followers, it’s a mission we all continue, as we spread the ‘light of Christ’ through our lives.

In Matthew 11:5, Jesus summarised how that light had shone: “The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news”.

This morning I’ve been walking around poor neighbourhoods of Colombo, Sri Lanka, with local partners and Government health staff, going from house to house looking for new cases of leprosy. They are ‘hidden in darkness’ and we are working to bring these cases out into the light. Globally, it’s been estimated that there could be over 4 million cases of leprosy undiscovered, thousands in Sri Lanka alone.

Yesterday I was with a large group of church leaders from across the country who are helping to find cases, raise awareness and reduce stigma. As they shared what God had been doing, we were filled with joy and excitement through: God blessing the project’s relationships with the authorities and opening opportunities for close collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

The mobilisation of hundreds of small church groups across the country to raise awareness of leprosy.

Peace and reconciliation. As church leaders build inter-communal relationships across religions and races that had been hostile to one another, in order to unite to defeat leprosy.

Through these partnerships there is great joy, as we expand the Kingdom of Christ through the healing of people affected by leprosy in Sri Lanka. In the meeting, prayer was the focal point of all we were doing.

Prayer underlies the success we are seeing, as so many different people come together to take action against leprosy.

This Christmas, let us join with them and pray for the ‘light of Christ’ to come. May His light shine, that the darkness of stigma, fear, ignorance of symptoms and complacency might be overcome.

James Pender The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 13 The radiance of God’s glory In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being (Hebrews 1:3) It was recently my birthday and to celebrate my Mum put a picture of me, aged about six or seven, on Facebook. I’m dressed in my bright red school jumper, sporting a classic late 80’s bowl haircut and wonky fringe. I have the biggest, cheesiest grin on my face. Among the comments, so many friends remarked on one thing in particular - how much my seven-year-old son, Josh, looks exactly like I did. I do feel for the lad, but it’s not unusual for a child to have the same features as their parents.

In his letter to the Hebrews, the author begins by reminding his audience that things had changed. The days of waiting were over. The years of looking forward to when God would enact His great plan of salvation, restoring spiritual Israel to Himself, were now passed. But what had brought about the fulfilment of the promise? What had actually changed? In verse 2 we’re given the answer, “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things”.

The coming of the Son! Jesus, the glorious, beautiful Saviour. King of kings, and Lord of lords.

The Bread of Life, Immanuel, God with us. The Christ, Messiah, Prophet and Priest. The Redeemer, Holy One, the Way the Truth and the Life. The True Vine, the Word, the Beloved Son. Jesus was the one who broke down the barrier between God and His people. Only He could restore and make right what millennia of sinful rebellion had destroyed. It required an infinite sacrifice to satisfy the just punishment for sins committed against an infinite God. And who alone could fulfil such a calling? God Himself.

The Son doesn’t just share some of the features of the Father, like Josh shares some of mine.

Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (v3). When I look at the Son, I’m gazing upon Yahweh, the Great I AM, El Shaddai. All of the glory, majesty and holiness of God Himself radiates forth from Jesus.

That’s who we worship in the manger this Christmas. Do you know Him for yourself? Are you walking through this life with Him? He is the most wonderful and faithful companion. The radiance of God’s glory, yet friend of sinners like you and me.

Jonny Wicks The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 14 The one who will save from sin On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. (Luke 2:21) Who doesn’t love a new addition to the family? A beautiful baby, cute, cuddly...OK, challenging too, but we will skirt over things like sleepless nights.

One of the most challenging things with a new baby is to decide on their name, after all it is part of their identify. Things to consider are: them feeling comfortable with it all their life. whether it flows with their other names. that the combination of initials doesn’t spell out anything inappropriate! that both parents can agree on it.

I’m sure you can think of more.

The middle name we decided upon for our daughter was ‘Ria’. With a long surname, we needed to keep it short enough to give her a chance of ever being able to fit her full name on a form. It was a cross cultural name, in Hindi meaning ‘singer’ and in Europe meaning ‘small river’. The baby book said something like, ‘Ria is like the tranquil flowing of the stream, not only does she bring refreshment to others, but is also able to carve out her path in life. Ria will be inspired to go with the flow whilst navigating the obstacles of life that come her way.’ That sounded good to me!

When the Angel Gabriel visited Mary to tell her that she had been chosen to bear God’s son, Mary was spared the naming problem. She was told what to call Him. At His naming ceremony, she did as she was bid and called Him Jesus, meaning the one who saves us from our sins.

So, who was that cute little baby boy? He was God’s son, born to sacrifice Himself for the sake of humanity, bridging the gulf between humankind and the Almighty. Through his death on the cross He paid the price we deserve, saved us from our sins, and brought us back into a relationship with God. He was called to give us the gift of life.

Father God, thank you for the gift of Jesus our Saviour. Thank you, that you have called each of us, by name, for a purpose. This advent, let us and all people affected by leprosy strive to understand who we are in You, and follow Your calling. Let us claim our Godly identity and be who You want us to be - loved, valued and determined to fulfil our calling. Amen.

Sian Arulanantham The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 15 The powerful sustainer The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:3) This is such a powerful verse, confirmation that Jesus is God and demonstrating the supremacy of Christ. Christ is divine, just as God is divine. Even as a tiny, helpless baby, Jesus is our King and God. What an incredible image!

Jesus is mighty and powerful – though Him, death is defeated. Because of His death on the cross, we have life.

How amazing it is that we can put our faith, and trust our lives, to Jesus, the Word of the Father.

We can see the connection with John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”, as well as John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh”.

Jesus was the Word, and the Word became flesh. The Word has the power to uphold the universe with a mere…word! The totality of this thought is overwhelming. Jesus is the ultimate answer; through Him, we derive strength, protection, encouragement, and comfort.

I am reminded of the lyrics of the song ‘Reckless Love’, by Cory Asbury: “Before I spoke a word, you were singing over me You have been so, so good to me Before I took a breath, you breathed your life in me You have been so so kind to me.”

Jesus has the whole world, the whole universe, in His hands. But He still sees each one of His children as an individual. As a treasured child. Just as a mother loves the baby she holds so gently in her arms. It’s a bond of unconditional love that transcends everything. God does not give begrudgingly but lavishly (Ephesians 1:18–19).

What a precious gift to remember this Advent season.

Sandra Pearce The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 16 The one who loves the least and the last And in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, '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 in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!'

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:8-20 ESV)

On a quiet night, beneath the starlit sky near Bethlehem, an extraordinary event took place. The most significant news the world has ever known was about to be announced. You may think that news like this would be delivered first to someone of great standing in society, someone noble, or a religious leader.

But that wasn’t God’s plan. The good news of the birth of Jesus was first revealed to a group of shepherds; often marginalized and overlooked, the least and the last.

The shepherds were chosen to witness the birth of the Saviour, and the angel’s message was clear: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Declaring that God's love extends to all, and reminding us that in God's eyes, no one is left behind.

It's easy to think that God's love and blessings are reserved for a chosen few, society’s powerful and prominent maybe. But the Christmas story challenges this, as God's plan unfolds unexpectedly, beginning with a humble birth in a stable and the good news revealed to shepherds.

The shepherds responded quickly and left to seek the child in the manger. After finding Him, overflowing with joy they shared the good news with all who would listen. Their faith and obedience in response to the angel's message is a beautiful example of how God uses the least in this world for His divine purpose.

As we reflect on this, let us remember that God's love reaches out to everyone, regardless of circumstance or social status. In the same way, your generous support of those affected by leprosy lets them know that no one is left behind. God’s love invites us to seek the Saviour, embrace humility, and share the good news. This Christmas let’s rejoice in the truth that God's love knows no boundaries, and extends to the least and the last, just as it was to the shepherds on that holy night.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the message of love and hope that was revealed to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. Help us to recognise your love for the least and the last. Lead us, like the shepherds, to respond with joy and obedience to share the good news with the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Rob Oakley The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 17 The objective of a search After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. (Matthew 2:1-10)

Who were the Magi from the East, which star did they follow, and where did they think it would lead them?

Scholars suggest they were astronomers or astrologers from Babylon or Persia. Magi of their day were known to travel as diplomats to greet foreign rulers. They would have studied the movements of ‘heavenly bodies’ to understand their significance. Then pieced together history, prophecy, politics and astrology in their search for the meaning of the new star in the night sky. It took open hearts to reach the conclusion that a momentous event was taking place in Judea. But alongside this conviction, it also took tenacity to follow the star to pay homage to the newly born King of the Jews.

Which star did they follow? Scholars suggest it could have been a supernova, a planetary conjunction or a comet. Supernovas were rare and could be seen from Earth with the naked eye - ancient astronomers were mystified by them. One potential planetary conjunction that could fit the bill took place in 7BC between Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces, and Chinese astronomers recorded a comet in the night sky in 5BC. While we don’t know the precise origin of the Bethlehem star, a remarkable event occurred in the heavens around the time of Jesus’ birth.

God used the arrival of these scholars of the stars to honour the birth of His Son. The One who called the very stars into being by His powerful word (Colossians 1:16-17, Psalm 33:6). Imagine how He would have felt as He called the Star of Bethlehem into existence, knowing one day it would herald His own arrival on earth!

The Magi kept seeking until they reached their King, but King Jesus wasn’t in Jerusalem at Herod’s palace as expected. Rather He was found in a very ordinary home with Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. He was born into the humblest of settings. On seeing the baby, the Magi opened their treasures, lavishing the child with rich and symbolic gifts: gold fit for a King, frankincense symbolizing His future priestly role, and myrrh, a prophetic statement of His ultimate death for us on the cross.

What can we learn from these ancient scholars? Those who seek Him will find Him when they seek Him with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). We too should worship Him! We too should give Him our all!

Joy Fleming The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 18 The one who came willingly In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11) In Philippians 2, we’re reminded that Jesus’s life on earth was the ultimate example of humility. Despite being fully God, Jesus, the second person of the Holy Trinity, gave up the glory of heaven to come into this broken world. To be born a child to ordinary parents. To grow up in the carpentry trade, without worldly riches, status, or higher education.

Despite being in very nature God, He was content to be a servant, to preach, love and care for ordinary people, the broken hearted, the poor, the sick and the lost. And then to experience the ultimate symbol of humility, the cross, an excruciating, humiliating and painful death.

But this was no accident or meaningless declaration of love. No, this was the turning point in history. The moment God reached down and offered all humanity the opportunity for forgiveness, and new birth. The child, Jesus, now a man, who would make the ultimate sacrifice. The sacrifice that holds the key to salvation for anyone who believes, rich or poor, healthy or sick, people from any social class. Who is this child? The one who came willingly and gave up everything for you and I. And now the Son has been lifted up by His Father. He has been exalted far beyond anyone or anything.

So that all creation, those present and those past, both in heaven and on earth, will bow in worship before Jesus Christ. All will call out in praise, that He is the Master of all, to the glorious honour of the Father.

As we approach this Christmas, may we reflect on this obedience to the Father, and thank Him for this greatest gift. A treasure of infinite value, purchased for us.

Margaret Nderitu The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 19 The baby to be worshipped On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) This year, as winter unfolded into spring and the snowdrops were out in full bloom, our family had the great joy of welcoming our first child - a newborn son. I have found that my sheer delight and wonder at our precious boy is almost beyond words.

Perhaps you remember staring for hours at the perfect little fingernails of your own newborn baby, or recall hearing the tiniest of snuffles of a friend's child as they snuggled into your warm arms. In those moments it is wise to sit as still as possible to soak it all in and marvel at the precious gift of new life.

We read here in Matthew's Gospel the story of the Magi, who came to visit Jesus as a baby, in His own mother's arms. The birth of a child so significant that a star rose in the sky to signify His arrival. We read of the wise response of the Magi, when they saw the star - they were overjoyed and they travelled many miles to worship the Christ-child.

This was no ordinary baby, He was like no baby they had ever met before - their gifts not your typical baby essentials - but fit for a king. He is the longed-for Messiah, the rightful King, come to save and shepherd His people.

While we rightly take great delight in babies and new arrivals into our families, I am reminded in this passage just how much more we are to wonder at the arrival of the Christ-child, Jesus. For He brings hope, reconciliation and peace with God, both now and forever.

We read of Him in 1 Peter 1:8, "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." The Magi had the immense privilege of meeting Jesus as a baby, in His earthly form. We have the huge joy of the risen Jesus who leaves/gives/imparts His Holy Spirit, so we know His joy here on earth. And one day, our joy will be complete when we meet Him face to face in glory.

As we see around us every day, there are many responses to Jesus.

But this Christmas, may ours be like that of the Magi, who responded with joy and worship of the King.

Kate Gent The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 20 The gift of love For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Do you know that you are loved? Really REALLY loved? That your Father in Heaven knows you by name? He knitted you together in your mother’s womb and knows the number of hairs on your head. He knows the pain, the mistakes, the doubts. They make no difference to His love. It cannot be shaken. There is nothing you can do to earn it, and nothing you can do to lose it.

God’s love is constant and consistent. All we have to do is confess our sin and accept the amazing gift He offers. Love in abundance. Love beyond measure.

John 3:16 is God’s greatest gift of love. These 26 words sum up the Gospel, the character of God and how much He loves us. He gave His precious son for you, because you are His precious child.

The hope and redemption of all mankind lay in that dirty manger. A helpless baby who would grow up to change a broken world. This baby revealed a beautiful picture of love, grace and freedom from sin. No more guilt or shame. Acceptance instead of condemnation. A free gift of eternal life for anyone and everyone. All because God so loved this world, and He so loves you.

Do you know Jesus’ love for you personally? If you haven’t accepted the wonderful gift of salvation, there is no better time than now. Or maybe you’d like to recommit your life to Jesus?

Father God, thank you for giving your son Jesus to save me.

I’m sorry for the wrong things I have done in my life.

Thank you for your gift of forgiveness, and I give all my guilt and shame to you now.

I accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.

I give my life to You from this point forward.

Amen.

If you have prayed this for the first time, I’d love to pray with you! You can email me at louiset@TLMEW.org.uk

Louise Timmins The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 21 The hope of a steadfast servant Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:25-35) Within the grand story of Jesus’ arrival, offering spiritual rescue to the world, there is included this side account. It’s of a man called Simeon, who was in Jerusalem at that time.

Simeon’s character is described as righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation (‘comfort’) of Israel. He is living in the Holy Spirit and literally keeping in step with Him as he makes his way to the temple where Jesus is.

He had been given a very personal and specific word by the Holy Spirit: “he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ”. Simeon experiences a very personal consolation in the temple: “he took Him (Jesus) in his arms and praised God”. This makes one think of the verse in Hebrews that says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Simeon’s words also have echoes of Psalm 16:8: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance”.

What does it mean to be ‘righteous’ and ‘devout’ like Simeon? Simeon is someone we can imitate – a role model for us as followers of Christ.

Significantly, the words spoken by Simeon also convey a universal message: salvation through Jesus Christ is for “all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles…”. However, Simeon’s final words are sobering: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed….”

Advent also includes the return of Jesus to the Earth a second time and to those who are hoping and waiting for the ‘consolation’ (comfort) of this event. What are you hoping and waiting for this Christmas?

Tino Singodia The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 22 The delight of a faithful follower Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38 NKJV)

I get really challenged when I read Luke’s account of how Anna was waiting in the temple day and night with fastings and prayers. What a beautiful heart Anna had, longing for God’s presence and for intercession!

Anna is the only named female prophet in the New Testament. Combined with her standing in her community and dedication to prayer in the temple, this suggests Anna was a woman of remarkable faith. If she was married at around 14 years old (a common age for women to wed at that time) and was married for seven years, Anna would have been 21 years old when she was widowed. The text reads that she was a widow until she was 84. Some interpret the text to say that she was a widow for 84 years, which would make her around 105 years old when she met the family of Jesus.

When Anna was widowed at a young age, she could have taken a different posture. She could have sulked or fallen into deep sadness, but instead she shows up here, towards the end of the Christmas narrative. She is a woman full of hope and purpose.

Anna is accompanied by the Holy Spirit and, in my mind, seems to float in the direction and leading of the Spirit in her life. Some of us may readily picture a woman like this from our own lives. This prophet from the tribe of Asher finds her place in biblical history and points us to a life lived in expectation.

It is fitting that Anna’s story wraps up the Christmas narrative. She is a woman who has been waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem for over 80 years. Advent, a liturgical season of waiting, culminates for us with the bringing in of light. Praise that rings forth from every Christian church across the globe!

This wrinkled, saintly woman is a woman who, after her husband passed, is described as never leaving the temple. She worships with fasting and prayer every night and day. When she comes into the temple on the day Jesus is there, she sees what others could not. The moment she arrives, she begins praising God and telling of the child to “all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

Anna, in her story, invites us to the same sort of expectation with which she lived her life. She models what healthy Christian discipleship can look like: some type of fasting, continual prayer, and sharing the good news with others. She helps us imagine what it looks like to rely solely on our Maker. It is a radical life that she lived.

And Anna issues to us a radical invitation to wait expectantly for the glory and goodness of God. Christmas is a time that we can either become consumed by the traditions of the season, or slow down and meditate on the Lord whose coming we celebrate. May we, like Anna, take time aside to be with the Lord.

Father, help us slow down and listen to you. Help us, like Anna, to value the time we spend in Your presence.

To value the time we spend in prayer. And to listen to Your leading and share the good news of redemption found in Your Son Jesus Christ. To bring hope to those around us this Christmas. Amen.

Elizabeth Allen The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 23 The one persecuted from birth Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15 ESV)

God added humanity to His deity in the most non-threatening way possible. Yet immediately, an assassination order on Jesus’ life was issued. King Herod, with his unbridled wrath and terrible use of power ordered all male children, not only in Bethlehem but in all the villages of that city to be killed. The persecution of Jesus began right from birth.

Jesus was a perfect and sinless person, but He experienced and encountered persecution from the very world He had come to save. Isaiah prophesied of Him who would be “despised and rejected by humanity, a man suffering and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53v3). He came to this world, but the world did not recognise Him. He came to his people, and they crucified him.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus opened His public ministry by citing Isaiah’s words about the good news for the poor, the prisoner, the blind and the oppressed and said they are fulfilled in His presence. (Luke 4:12-21; Isaiah 61:1-2, 58:6). Jesus was born to show that God accepts the outsiders of the world. He would walk with the poor, eat with sinful people, and touch the sick.

An encounter with Jesus truly transforms lives.

This happened time and again with Jesus. He helped those affected by leprosy (Mark 1:40-45) and healed a woman who had a constant flow of blood (Matthew 9:20-22), both of whom were considered impure; He healed the paralysed (Mark 2:1-12) and a blind man (Luke 18:35-43), people thought to be worthless and useless. And as Jesus was being crucified, He told the penitent thief on the cross next to him, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Jesus was the one persecuted from birth, but He came for those who are also persecuted, oppressed and outsiders in society. For those who believe, Jesus came so that they may have life in all its fullness.

Anna Greenwood The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 24 The God who dwells The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us (John 1:14) As a former police officer, I remember the day I was asked to take the Superintendent out on shift with me. Most of the time, his work involved high level strategy, tucked away in his office far from the frontline. But he never forgot where he started and every so often he chose to spend a shift donning his body armour and handcuffs once more.

As it happened, that evening was exceptionally busy. We made several arrests for fraud and theft of fuel, while providing support and comfort to those who were vulnerable. Driving home that night, reflecting on the day’s duty, what struck me most with how much my Superintendent had wanted to be involved. He’d thrown himself into everything. He knew what it was like to police Peterborough because he’d become a response officer for the evening.

In the first few verses of his epistle, John introduces us to ‘the Word’. He tells us how this ‘Word’ was with God the Father right from the beginning. But more than that, how this ‘Word’ created all things. Every star, moon, planet and creature in a vast universe of infinite creativity. What power! What imagination!

But John also tells us this ‘Word’ of God was not just mighty and abundant, He also brought light and life to all mankind. Through Him the darkness would be banished. He would bring men, women, boys and girls destined to dwell in that darkness forever, into the eternal, brilliant light of His own family.

Wonderful, we may think, but while all that is happening, I’m here muddling through life. When I rest my head on my pillow tonight, that dark valley I’m walking through will be just as real tomorrow morning when I wake. Does God really know? Does the ‘Word’ of God have time for me?

In John 1:14 we find our answer “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us”. At Christmas we’re reminded of the baby in the manger. The ‘Word’ is revealed in human flesh, none other than the precious, beloved Son of the Most High.

But He didn’t come to rule from afar. Nor did He just want to check in, before retiring to the glory of Heaven as soon as possible. He made His dwelling among us. On the cross, He dealt, once and for all, with the dreadful barrier that had always stood between God and His people.

If you trust Him, today the Word of God dwells in you. He is closer than you can possibly imagine and He will never leave you nor forsake you. This Christmas Jesus knows what you’re going through because He walked the walk. He knows what it is to be tired, weary and downhearted. So He calls you to come to Him, the Word of God the Father. He is gentle and lowly in heart and in Him you will find abundant, lifegiving rest.

God LOVES to be with His people!

Jonny Wicks The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

December 25 The Saviour of the World 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 favour rests.” (Luke 2:11-14)

Suddenly God’s angel stood among the shepherds. I love this word ‘suddenly’.

The world was pregnant with a heavenly pause. Mankind was poised and expectant for God to save them, they were waiting.

Then suddenly God moved in an unexpected way. A way which was filled with grace and love.

The shepherds were visited by an angel who bought God’s glory to the hillside. I imagine our heavenly Father leaning towards earth, watching with a smile, as the shepherds hurriedly left to find the baby in a crib. I imagine those shepherds sitting beside the manger looking upon the face of Jesus in wonder. At last, the promise of God was being fulfilled in the birth of a helpless babe. Christ the Lord was born.

This was the first Christmas. Good news for all mankind! Jesus, the light in the darkness, bringing us hope and peace. Jesus was the first gift for all, and Jesus is the only gift we need!

Hallelujah! Christ is born!

May God ‘suddenly’ fill your heart afresh with the good news of Jesus birth. Merry Christmas!

Rachel Harris The Leprosy Mission England and Wales

We wish you a happy and blessed Christmas To pray with us throughout the year, please visit leprosymission.org.uk/get-involved/pray

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