I love Luke’s story of the two thieves who hung either side of Jesus as he died on the cross.

One of the thieves joins the soldiers in mocking Christ. The other tells him to stop: “Don’t you fear God? You received the same sentence he did. Ours, however is only right; but he has done no wrong. And he said to Jesus: ‘Remember me, Jesus when you come as king.’

“Jesus said to him, ‘I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.”

At Christmas, it is good to remember why Jesus was born into the world: to give us hope and to die as atonement for mankind’s sins, to bring us into peace with God.To show us God’s love, His amazing kindness, His love for us and the path back to Our Father.

Dear God, Please let me stop the commercial madness and focus on You. On Your love. Your kindness to me. Help me see You in every thing of beauty, in every act of kindness. Thank You for all the gifts You give me: my faith; my family; my health. Please help me to be faithful to You and obedient, and please let me do it with joy in my heart. In the name of my Lord, my Jesus, Your Son, Amen