Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘We were not idle when we were with you.’ 2 Thessalonians 3:7

Tomorrow the Christ-child will be here. God will be born into His world. And the world into which Jesus will be born is a world of work.

Joseph, who was given a duty of care for God’s own son, was a carpenter. Many artistic depictions of Jesus in His early years imagine Jesus learning the skills of carpentry under Joseph’s tuition. Jesus lived and grew up in a world of work and trade.

It is no surprise, therefore, that in the concluding section of his letter Paul talks about work. He has some harsh words for those who are idle and are not making their contribution to the Christian community in Thessalonica. He reminds his audience of his own pattern of hard work (and we know from Acts 18 that Paul was a tentmaker by trade). And he gives some strong advice that those who do not work should not eat. There is no place for laziness in the Christian community.

Why is this all so important to Paul? Because work matters. If Jesus, God with us, grew up in the world of work, then there is a holiness to work. Work is not a necessary evil. It is part of God’s plan for our lives. It has a dignity because it means that we can make a contribution to the community rather than being a burden to it.

For many, work means going out and doing a job to earn the income that supports family life. That work is sacred. It contributes to society, it means that we can support the weak and it also provides an opportunity to bear witness to Christ in the workplace.

Others are called to other forms of work: that may be bringing up children full-time, volunteering, caring for a family member, hospitality or the vital work of prayer. But Paul reminds us that every member of the Christian community, no matter what their age or status, can make a contribution.

As you prepare to celebrate Jesus being born in to the world of work, why not find some time to reflect on what your contribution to your own Christian community will be in 2025.

The Rt Revd Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn.