On December 11, we at Missionswerk MSD enjoyed our Christmas dinner together at Restaurant Rohrbach. We started with a delicious aperitif, followed by a wonderful three-course meal. Since I don’t often get to attend team events, it was especially nice for me to spend the evening with everyone from the team. All of our spouses were there too, so we ended up being a large and diverse group. The room was filled with pleasant and meaningful conversations, lots of joy, and the aroma of delicious food. The nice thing was that we simply had time to talk to each other. Since we are in the office on different days as a team, it was all the more enjoyable to simply have time with each other and for each other. I myself am in the office about once a week and am always fascinated by the openness, warmth, and above all appreciation with which everyone treats me. I am wholeheartedly grateful to be part of the team and to be working with such wonderful people. I am constantly reminded of how Jesus is at the center of all processes and decisions, and how the mission work of msd is carried out through God’s grace, glory, and greatness.

Later in the evening, things got a little emotional and we were able to thank God together in prayer for the year 2025, give him all the glory and look back on how he has guided us on all our paths, carried us through challenges and was always there with us in the most beautiful moments. Afterwards, we gathered around Kusi and Silvio Z. (co-leaders of msd) and blessed them in all their tasks, for their faithfulness and their servant hearts that they put into the mission work. Mascha expressed it so beautifully in prayer and gave thanks that we have two such great role models who take courageous steps forward. We wish them both God’s rich blessings and much wisdom for the time ahead and all that is yet to come.

However, before we start the new year, we are looking forward to a wonderful and peaceful Christmas season. For me, Christmas is something special every year. When you look out of the window, you see all the beautiful lights, many households have decorated their windows or house facades beautifully, put up a Christmas tree and decorated it with beautiful baubles and lights. Everything is so beautifully lit up, and especially in winter, when it gets dark so early, it’s just lovely to see all the lights. Sometimes I wonder if people are also so full of anticipation for Christmas and, if so, for what reasons. I simply wish that not only all the apartments and houses would shine, but that people would also carry the light that Jesus wants to give them within themselves, shine it outwardly, and pass their light on to other people. As it says in Luke 11:36: “If your whole body is full of light, with no part of it dark, then it will be as if a lamp were shining on you with its bright light; everything will be illuminated.”

So during the Christmas season, let us remember that Jesus Christ came into the world for us and gave us the greatest and most beautiful gift. No gift in the world comes even close to what Jesus has done for us, and we want to give him all the glory for it and tell people who do not yet know Jesus about it.
You probably have someone in your circle who is alone at Christmas. Someone who does not yet know Jesus. Be courageous, take up the challenge, and invite that person. There is a chance that you can pass on the light that you carry within you to someone else. We wish you a blessed Christmas season from the bottom of our hearts!

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)