After the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, they immediately ran to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby was lying in a manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel said about the baby. The people who heard their story were astonished.

The shepherds returned to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God.

However, Mary quietly treasured all these things in her heart and thought about them often. ? Later some wise men from the East guided by a star came to their house fell down before baby Jesus and worshipped him, bringing expensive gifts with them.?

Now that the Christmas celebrations are over, the tree must come down, the decorations put away for another year. What is your response to the birth of Jesus Christ?

• Are you glorifying and praising God for sending his Son into the world to save our sins?

• Are you worshipping the Lord and quietly meditating on His Word?

• Pray that your children and grandchildren’s response to the birth of Christ will be one of glorifying and praising God for the new life he provided.

• Pray they will stand as a symbol of hope in a dark world, adorned with God’s strength and beauty.

• Don’t pack Jesus away with the Christmas ornaments until next Christmas.

My prayer is that your response is to grow in your spiritual life so you will be able to be an even greater godly influence in the lives of your grandchildren in 2012.