Ask each woman to wear a Santa hat to the program, which could also be worn when they deliver the Christmas stockings to the local women’s shelter.

Fill–a–Christmas Stocking

Prior to meeting, invite the women to bring items to fill the Christmas stockings. This could include, soap, body wash, hair products, gloves, cozy slipper socks or a gift card. The corps could supply the stockings to be filled. Assemble the stockings during the meeting and set a date for them to be distributed.

Bake and Decorate Sugar Christmas Stocking Cookies

Bake and decorate Christmas stocking sugar cookies to accompany the stockings. Place the cookies in a clear bag and tie with a red ribbon. Attach a decorated Scripture card.

Pass the Christmas Stocking Game

Place a gift inside a stocking. Play Christmas music and have the women pass the stocking around the table. Whoever is holding it when the music stops will be out. The last woman holding the stocking wins what is inside.

I Bring You Good News

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

I love to receive good news, don’t you? I remember the first time I heard the good news that I was going to be a grandmother. That brought great joy to me. Good news can come in many ways. It could be news that you were hired for a job or that the tests for cancer came back negative. It could be that you are expecting a child. What good news have you received lately? (Ask the women to respond.)

In the scripture from Luke, the good news was given to shepherds who were out in the field watching their sheep. It seemed like an ordinary night but it was about to change. Suddenly, while they were watching the night sky, an angel appeared to them.

I love that the first words the angel said were “Do not be afraid.” Can you imagine lying out in the field and seeing an angel appear? I know I may have rubbed my eyes to take another look. I may have looked around at the other shepherds to see if they were seeing what I was seeing. When reality hit me and I realized it was really an angel, I am sure I would have been terrified.

It’s interesting that anytime an angel appeared to someone in Scripture, the first words spoken are “Do not be afraid.” Remember when the angel appeared to Mary? How about when the angel appeared to Joseph? God must know that our first reaction to seeing an angel here on earth is fear. Therefore, His messengers always begin with those four strong words, “Do not be afraid.”

Once the shepherds got over the shock of seeing an angel, they were able to hear the rest of the news. They heard the angel say, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” This news was not only for the shepherds on the hillside that night; it was for all the people. You and I are included in “all the people.” The angel had good news for you and me.

So, what was the good news? “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11, NIV). Not only did God send one angel to bring this good news, He sent a multitude of angels to continue the message saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14). In other words, there was a party in the sky announcing the good news that Jesus, our Messiah, was born.

The greatest message that you and I can share with those around us this Christmas is the good news that a Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord, has been born. His name is Jesus. He is a Savior who loves us and wants to be a part of our life. Are you ready to hear the good news today? Are you ready to accept the good news? Are you ready to share the good news with those you meet?

As we read the story of the angels appearing to the shepherds, may we never forget that you and I are included in “all the people.” May we be reminded that those who will receive our Christmas stockings and cookies are also included in “all the people.” I pray that you will go out this week and share with “all the people” that a Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has come.

Let us pray

Thank you, Lord, for the reminding me that I am included in the good news delivered by the angels. The good news of a Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord, came for me! A Savior who loves me and came to save me from my sin. A Savior who can set me free so that I no longer need to live in bondage. Yes, Lord, that is good news. May I be willing to share this good news with others this Christmas season. Amen.