A few weeks ago, someone shared a story that I can’t stop thinking about. They told me they came to Good Shepherd for the very first time on Christmas Eve just two years ago. They had been “church shopping” for a while—curious, cautious, unsure if church was even for them anymore. Then, almost on a whim, someone casually mentioned Good Shepherd and invited them to check it out.
So they did.
They arrived with low expectations but then told me they ended up crying through the entire Christmas Eve service—not because they were sad, but because they didn’t know church could be done like that. The music. The warmth. The joy. The sense of hope they hadn’t felt in a long time. They said it felt like God met them right there in a way they weren’t expecting.
And now? That person and their entire family are deeply involved in the life of Good Shepherd.
All of that because of one simple invitation.
And that’s exactly why this season matters so much—because more stories just like that are waiting to be written.
This year, Christmas Eve at Good Shepherd has more opportunities than ever to invite someone to experience hope. For the first time ever, we’re offering a Christmas Eve Eve service on December 23rd at our North Oak campus—a huge win for people who already have full Christmas Eve plans but still want to worship together. Then on Christmas Eve at North Oak, we’ll have services at 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, and 6:30 PM. And at our Gladstone campus, we’ll gather at 4:00 PM, plus a powerful 11:00 PM candlelight service to close out the night.
That’s a lot of chances for someone’s story to have a fresh start.
Here’s the challenge: Who’s your one? Who is the person you can text, call, invite, or simply bring along? You truly never know what God might do through something that feels so small and ordinary.
Now, the second invitation is for those of us who already call Good Shepherd home: this is your moment to serve. Christmas doesn’t just magically happen—it happens because so many people step up to park cars, greet guests, run tech, and create space for God to move. Serving on Christmas is one of the most meaningful ways to live the heart of the season. Sign up below to serve and experience the amazing things that happen at Good Shepherd on Christmas Eve.
And before Christmas Eve even gets here, we’ve got one more opportunity to invite: PJ’s & Pancakes this Saturday—tomorrow! It’s a perfect, low-pressure way to bring a friend or neighbor. Kids (and adults) can come in their pajamas, enjoy breakfast (because who doesn’t love breakfast?), and move through fun stations that help them learn the Christmas story in hands-on ways. It’s simple. It’s fun. And it’s exactly the kind of on-ramp that helps families take a first step toward community.
One invitation. One yes. One moment. One life changed.
This is such a full and exciting season. I can’t wait to see what God does here at Good Shepherd this Christmas!
See you soon,
Matt
