Dear Friends,

Then a voice came from heaven saying,
“You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11

Glen and I were talking last week about doting Mums and Dads, the fact that our children are always 'simply the best' in our eyes. After watching the school nativity play, I came back to the workshop and said "My Daniel was the best shepherd". Glen asked "was He the only shepherd?". "No" I replied, "there were loads of shepherds, but I only had eyes for Daniel!"

What strikes me about this verse is that God made this proclamation to Jesus at the beginning of His ministry, before He worked tirelessly healing the sick, raising the dead, and before he went to the cross. He was pleased with Jesus simply because He was and is His Son, His Joy, the apple of His eye.

It warms me and totally amazes me, to think that God could love me so much that he would send His beloved Son, the apple of His eye, to be born in a manger and to die on the cross for me. Awesome Love!

Most of us will have worked really hard this year, many in ministry - but this Christmas rest assured that our Father is pleased with you simply because you are His child, He is pleased with all our faithful efforts no matter how big or small. You are unique and special to God, you are the apple of His eye, and I believe He wants you to know that He is pleased with you, just for being you!

Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas, resting in our Fathers love.

Love and blessings in Jesus,