Dear Friend,

Sometimes I try to imagine what it must’ve been like for the shepherds on that holy night long ago. They were minding their own business (and their sheep) in the fields near Bethlehem, when they had a surprise visitor — “an angel of the Lord,” Luke tells us.

“And the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear” (Luke 2:9, ESV). I would’ve been terrified too! But then the angel delivered the greatest message of all time: “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.”

The angel told them to go into Bethlehem, where they would find the baby, lying in a manger. A baby who is also a Savior? Their heads must’ve been spinning.

As if that announcement weren’t earth-shaking enough, suddenly a multitude — thousands, perhaps millions — of angels filled the sky and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

That’s about when my imagination hits its limits. I cannot fathom what that must have been like for those shepherds that night. Fear and joy, all at once! Struggling neighbors who come to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission are familiar with those emotions. They’ve experienced fear through evictions, through domestic abuse, through street life, through hunger and heartache and hopelessness.

But when they come to MRM — all year round, but especially at Christmas — they find joy, even in the midst of their struggles. Because we are all about that “good news of great joy for all people.” That’s the gospel. That’s the Christmas message.

Every day at MRM, people are transformed by that good news. You’ll read about two of them in this newsletter — Jeff on page 3, and Ajaya on page 8. Their inspiring stories are only possible because of your kindness. Thank you!

This Christmas season, I pray that you and your loved ones are blessed with the joy and peace of the Christ child.

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President