“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him‘” (Matthew 2:1-2).

As we approach another Christmas, may we remember that night over 2,000 years ago when Mary and Joseph took the long, dusty journey to Bethlehem to give birth to baby Jesus. May we remember the bright, shining star that lit up the night sky leading the wise men to the place of the Savior.

What glorious, miraculous events! As we prepare to celebrate all these past events that hold such special meaning in the hearts of believers, I wanted to share something joyful that’s happening this Christmas season. Those writing about this special event are calling it Bethlehem’s Star, or the Christmas Star. It is amazing how God sends reminders our way, little miracles and blessings, to remind us how much he loves each one of us. So, as you gather with loved ones and friends this holiday, may you look to the skies and catch a glimpse of the beautiful site and think of the Magi who followed a beautiful, bright, magnificent star over 2,000 years ago.

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh“ (Matthew 2:9-11).

I’ve marked my calendar and am looking forward to this very special moment in time! You can read about this very unique event here:

https://www.westernjournal.com/first-time-800-years-christmas-star-will-visible/

I pray this Christmas that you’ll focus on the events of that night in Bethlehem. I hope that you’ll truly put Christ at the forefront of your celebrations and thoughts. I pray you’ll contemplate the many miracles of that night over 2,000 years ago.

Just think for a moment…

Imagine the scene: a quiet, starry night in a little town called Bethlehem. To most, if not all who lived there, the day was just another ordinary day on the calendar. A day of walking dusty streets, buying and selling, working and learning, loving and fellowshipping. Little did those in that small town know that when they woke up that day, it would be different from all past days. Little did they know that when they went out to conduct their ordinary business that something extraordinary was about to take place… something so extraordinary it would change the course of history forever. A miracle was about to spring forth. In one glorious moment, a moment God ordained from the beginning, the greatest gift would be delivered to all mankind.

To some, Bethlehem may be a speck on the map of the world, but to God it was a special place specifically selected for His Son, the world’s Savior, to make His entrance.

And suddenly, out of nowhere, in an instant, that little town would be witness to the greatest gift ever bestowed upon the entire world.

Can you even begin to imagine how wonderful and miraculous for those who witnessed that night?

Although afraid, the shepherds looked on in awe, trying to comprehend what they had seen and heard. Luke 2:9-14: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.‘”

The heavenly angels sang in glorious praise that day, proclaiming the birth of the very One Who came to save the world… a gift for all.

Later, the wise men would journey from afar to come worship… following a star so bright that it lit up the sky, leading them to the very place where Jesus resided. They would have the awesome privilege of worshipping and presenting gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the King of Kings and Lord of all!

Many miracles surrounded the birth of the Savior. Heaven came down that one holy night. Angels rejoiced. It was a moment in time that would forever change the whole world for all time.

It’s all so incredibly amazing, isn’t it?

I pray this Christmas that you will both reflect and rejoice. I pray you’ll hold close to your heart the miracle sent from the Creator of the world, His one and only Son… the Savior! The One who would humbly give His life so all could have life. The One who would heal the sick, speak truth into hearts, and lead the way. The One who would come as a shining light piercing through all darkness, breathing fresh hope into hearts. The very One sent to be the bridge for all mankind, the Christ child, sent to bring the gift of eternal salvation to all who accept and believe. The One providing true hope and an eternal future with the Creator of all for all time.

God still performs miracles today. He still refreshes hearts. He still gives of Himself and calls all into a relationship with Him so all can be saved and have a bright, eternal future.

Christmas should usher in every believer’s heart a rush of peace, hope, love, and joy because God loved His creation with such an everlasting love that He sent a life-changing everlasting gift… the greatest gift ever given to all mankind.

This Christmas, look to the skies and be thankful for all we have because of all He gave.

God bless you and yours, and a very Merry CHRISTmas to you all!

spate.holly@gmail.com

 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

PRAYER

That one word means so much. Prayer is a beautiful expression and reminder that we can’t do life on our own. Prayer helps us remember our fragility, humbles the heart, and consistently confirms our desperate need for the Savior.

Prayer is a precious gift. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Jesus Taught Us to Pray.

Jesus himself spent countless hours praying to the Father. As Christians, we are to follow Christ’s example and obediently incorporate prayer into our daily life.

The following are just a few examples which prove prayer was an important aspect of Jesus’ life:

“In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety” (Hebrews 5:7).

“Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened” (Luke 3:21).

“After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone” (Matthew 14:23).

“After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46).

“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12).

“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there” (Mark 1:35).

“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray” (Luke 5:16).

“And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, ‘Who do the people say that I am?’” (Luke 9:18).

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray’” (Matthew 26:36).

“And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will’” (Matthew 26:39).

Prayer is Essential in the Christian Life.

If prayer were not important, Jesus would not have practiced it. Because He is our example and is perfect, we know that prayer must be embraced and practiced in our own lives.

Prayer is essential. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is effective. Prayer is influential. Prayer can change things. Prayer can strengthen and embolden our faith. Prayer can bring a sense of peace. It is what we’re called to do, and it is both a privilege and honor to put prayer into practice.

Any time is a good time to pray. And we can have the assurance that when we honestly seek God and pray to Him, He will hear our prayer and answer. Psalm 17:6 states, “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”

The Bible references prayer many, many times. What follows are just a few additional examples instructing us to pray:

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:9-15).

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

“But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer” (Psalm 66:19).

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

“Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 12:28).

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

Standing Together in Prayer is a Privilege.

Beyond a personal prayer life, the Bible emphasizes the importance of the body of believers coming together and praying in agreement. Matthew 18:20 attests to this very thing: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Speaking of prayer and standing together in agreement, I’d like to take a moment, in conclusion, to come alongside brothers and sisters in Christ who are reading this today. Let’s take a minute to lift our hearts in praise to a loving God, and let’s come and kneel together as we collectively pray for God’s protection and His perfect will to be done concerning our divided nation.

I pray God richly blesses each of you as you continue faithfully journeying with Him.

A Prayer for Our Nation:

Heavenly Father,

We humbly come to You today to ask for Your hand of protection over our nation. May You guide the hearts and minds of each citizen to vote for principles and platforms in line with Your Word. Open the eyes of those who have been blinded by hate, deceit, false narratives and propaganda which distorts truth. May the division and hatred that’s been sewn throughout our nation not take root in hearts or be allowed to spread. May we be bound together by decency, kindness, love and respect. May sanity, common sense and personal accountability be restored, embraced and practiced. May the hearts of people in this nation desire to seek truth, and may You open hearts to the truth which sets free.

Please turn all of our leaders’ hearts towards You. May their pride of position and power not blind them to doing what’s best for all. May they turn from anything that would keep them separated from You. We pray You provide direction, wisdom and discernment to all those who govern. We thank You that You are our King and the whole world is at Your feet. You see and know all, and we thank you that You promise to make all things right.

We thank You God that You are always and forever seated on the throne. We find comfort in remembering that You know the beginning from the end. You are the Author and Perfecter. You are all that is good, perfect, righteous and holy. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Alpha and Omega. You are in total control of all creation… all things. We trust in Your perfect, almighty power to make the crooked paths straight and to bring the light of truth to all the darkened places. We pray that You will intervene and expose every kind of evil and every stronghold over America. Expose the deeds done in darkness. Expose all corruption. Bring Your light and justice to all that’s darkened America’s doorstep.

We pray Psalm 91 over our lives and stand in agreement for Your divine, perfect protection no matter the uncertainty, the storms of life, or which way the wind blows. May we build our houses on the Rock, not shifting sand. May we clothe ourselves with the full armor of God. Give us strength in each season and protection to persevere. May we be used as Your instruments to plant seeds and speak the truth of Your Word into the hearts of those You put in our paths.

May no weapon come against us. May all the plans of the enemy fall on their own heads. May not one thing come to fruition that is planned or being planned which would bring destruction or harm to Your servants and those who seek a peaceful existence. We pray Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

May righteousness and justice prevail. May people turn to You and put their trust in You.

Wrap us in Your loving arms and protect us. May we feel Your presence and be emboldened to pick up our cross and follow You daily, no excuses. May we be encouraged by Your promise to never leave us or forsake us. May we rejoice that You give us hope and a future. We praise God that You have made it clear that, although we live in this world, You have overcome this world.

Thank you for Your promises, Your love, Your peace which passes all understanding, Your protection. Thank you for Your gift of salvation which cleanses from all unrighteousness. Thank you for a bright future as You prepare our home in heaven.

May we forever trust in You and Your unfailing love. May we continually and constantly cling to You in all things. May we always trust You for protection, guidance and provision concerning all our needs.

We love You. We praise You. We trust You. We thank You.

In Your wonderful name we pray,

Amen.

spate.holly@gmail.com