Drop One Hundred Twenty-two

Isaiah 9:6

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (NASB1995).

The Advent season has begun. A time to reflect on the depravity of man, the needs of others, and extend kindness and grace just as we have received such from our Savior and Lord, Jesus. This is not something that will last long, if done by our own strength. The only hope any of us has is through the sacrifice of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit directing our lives. So, as we shop for those special gifts, may we be ever so grateful for the ultimate gift ever given. He was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. On the third day He rose again and will come again to judge the living and the dead. As a simple bumper sticker shares: No Jesus = no peace. Know Jesus = Know Peace. I invite you to read His story this Christmas. Short version – read Luke. Long version – read Genesis through Revelation.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your faithfulness and for sending Jesus to pay the penalty for all that we have done wrong – whether thought, word, or deed. Just as Adam did not recognize his need for human fellowship until after naming and seeing the pairing of the animals, we did not recognize our need for a Savior until You held up the mirror of the Ten Commandments. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us and lead us so we may walk in You ways, to the Glory of Your Holy Name.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN