“But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
John 20:31
Reflection
What are some of the names of Jesus that not only come to mind but are the source and strengthen faith in your heart, soul, mind and strength as well?
As we continue through this month of celebrating the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate life because of Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ stepped out of the glory of heaven, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” This gives us cause to sing all those carols of joy as we focus our hearts on the greatest holy night, the night of our Savior’s birth! His life marked and sparked the beginning of our lives, the opportunity to be born again, brand new in Christ Jesus and have life in His great name.” For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5)
Throughout the Christmas season we see ads, signs and Christmas cards encouraging us to “BELIEVE!” In most cases it is a reference to Santa, but we want to encourage you to let it prompt you to think and pray about what you really believe about Jesus and how wonderful your abundant, eternal life is because you “believe in Him.” As you ponder the names of Jesus pinpoint what each name brings to your life and let “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Holidays can be difficult for many people, a season that is meant to magnify joy, peace, love, lights, laughter, carols and gifts can also magnify loss, conflict, depression and loneliness. If this is something you or someone you love is experiencing this season, please know that we are praying for you. Your National Day of Prayer family prays for you throughout the year in all seasons and Jesus is the reason we have hope in every season and situation of life; births and funerals, increase and loss, finally receiving a deep desire of your heart or whispering prayers as we wait for God to prepare and release the best “Yes” to our longest yearning; in tears of joy and tears of sorrow God is there with you and we are praying for you. We pray that we all abound in hope, in this season and always, as we BELIEVE!
Would you please pray with us now?
Blessed Savior, Light of the World, Wonderful, Lamb of God, Lion of Judah, Prince of Peace, King of Kings; Holy is Your name. Your name fills us with love, power, comfort and courage, fire and faith to walk through another day, another challenge in great celebration and joyful confident expectation in the One who gave us salvation. Your great grace and mercy surround and saturates us as You drain the pain of guilt and shame and fill us with Your love, forgiveness, and life everlasting. We praise Your name and commit that, whatever we do in word or deed, we do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. In the name of Jesus we believe, live, and pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
