December 2025

Jesus comes into the earth with little, living in lowly places. Growing up in the midst of normal humanity, He received the highest teaching from God. As He grew in grace and wisdom with both God and man He lived in the Kingdom. The Kingdom became a present reality within Him. So much so that when He began to preach He said, “repent for the Kingdom is near.” Later He would describe the Kingdom that comes within a person as we throw off our old life, our old understanding, our old wine skin and begin anew.

He told of the Kingdom within which is inherited by those who are poor in spirit, humble, meek, hungering for righteousness. This message was not about being right, but was found in being willing to learn, to listen, to wait. From a place of new understanding, a new life is born. As Jesus was born from immaculate conception, so is the Christ and the Kingdom born in us.

Christmas is a wonderful time when we celebrate Jesus coming into human form and bringing the teaching of God that has set us free. That message of the Kingdom is still breaking forth in those who are teachable, who are hungry, and available. There is a light within you that Jesus carried. Let your light shine this Christmas season. Presents are nice, but mercy and love are much more valuable. Forgiveness is a gift which lasts. Compassion and kindness are difficult to put under a tree, but are the true gifts of Christ. Let these things bubble up from within you. Don’t just give the message of Christ, but live Christ’s love in the discussions and interactions you have with family. We are all anxious to share the blessings we have received this Christmas. Extend the forgiveness and compassion which God has given you to others.

I wanted to take this time to thank you and all of Angola UMC for the past few years of love and memories. Mallory and I have been praying since we returned from Zambia about what our next steps would be and a few months ago we heard very clearly to go back to Zambia to live for a season.

We are making plans to move after the first of the year (shooting for mid-February) and praying for the transitions coming up. We want to be faithful to what God is asking us to do and to share the love of Christ wherever we go. Thank you all for being so kind to us. We ask for your prayers as we move forward to take the family into this next season of life. God bless you all, and Merry Christmas.

Love,

Pastor Caleb and the Austin Family