Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel
Perhaps I can blame it on the early snow fall, but I’ve been in the Christmas spirit a bit earlier than usual this year. I’m a good way into my planning and purchasing for those on my gift list and I’ve made some plans for holiday baking. It’s the first time I ever broke out the Christmas tunes before Thanksgiving!
I DO love celebrating the birth of my Savior. And I love it not only because He came ultimately to ransom me through His death, but also because He showed me how to live.
Jesus gave up heavenly privileges to put flesh on and walk around with man. That tiny baby in a manger was God Almighty in swaddling clothes, come to reveal His character to us.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus is depicted as a man of compassion. He stood up for those who had no voice in His society: the widow, the beggar, the foreigner, even the prostitute.
But words were not enough for Jesus. He healed. He defended. He forgave.
Then He said that this kind of compassion would be the hallmark of His followers by telling us to “go and do likewise,” (Luke 10:37).
Thank you for being His people, marked by His compassion. Your commitment to pray for “the least of these” brands you as Christ’s and models His character to those who do not know Him.
This month, as you pray, please remember the following requests:
- Praise God for sending Jesus to redeem us and to model the values of His kingdom.
- Ask God to move in the hearts of His people to give toward the Russian Christian Foster Home. Donors have agreed to match funds brought in through the end of the year by 50%, and we’d love to take full advantage of that generosity!
- Thank God for the board of directors He has assembled to give leadership to the organization. The Boaz Project couldn’t exist without their selfless dedication.
- Pray for those traveling to Russia Dec. 12-20 to purchase, assemble and deliver Christmas presents to orphans. Ask for their safety and effectiveness as they bring the gospel message of hope to the fatherless.