And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, “A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel." Luke 2:25-32
Christmas prepared us to step into 2024 as we “Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World.” Our focus remains on Jesus, and we remember that “God with us”, remains with us. Our joy is refreshed as we recall the angel’s message of, “good news of great joy which will be for all the people;” and as Christ’s birth fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2, these words are stilled being fulfilled as Jesus lights up dark hearts and dark places every day: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.”
As a gentile, I am deeply grateful that the news of the Savior’s birth was extended to me, “a Light of revelation to the gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel.”
Simeon had been promised that he would not see death until he had seen Christ. As he held Jesus in his arms, Simeon praised God for fulfilling His promise, “according to Your word.” As we read the Word of God we must have faith in every precept, promise, and prophecy trusting God “according to Your Word,” in every word.
Our 2024 theme art spotlights the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. In Ephesians 6:16-18 we are told to take the shield and the sword, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…” Just as the sword and shield fight the battle together, faith is essential as prayer warriors pick up the Word and pray.
We will pray thousands of prayers this year filled with praise and thanks. We will intercede for family, friends, neighbors, and our nation. We will pray for the Church, Family, Education, Workplace/Business, Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and Media. We will pray for health, for those at war, for needs, decisions, and dreams. We will weep in prayer with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice… and we will pray for our enemies. As we lift up the Word in faith, we must live out the Word in our lives.
You are Light to all nations, all people. Thank You for being our Light and life, my Savior and Lord. We cling to Your promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us; You are still Immanuel. We trust in Your Word that is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, it is our instruction, inspiration, and information concerning everything in our lives. We do not stumble around in darkness nor do we have anything to fear as we walk securely, according to Your Word, will and ways. We pick up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit as we pray every day in Your great and mighty name, Amen!
Serving Him with Gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President