 |
| "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Matthew 21:22 |
Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year. There is shopping, gift giving, Christmas cards, cookies and manger scenes! What we do at Christmas actually follows along with how they celebrated Christmas 2,000 years ago when baby Jesus was born.
We have been doing a series on gifts we give and receive. The best Christmas gifts we could ever give and receive, can't be bought at a store or even wrapped in a box. Gifts are apart of The Christmas story and how we show one another we care.
But Let's be real, Christmas also is a busy time of the year, where there is a lot to get done in a short amount of time. It can put a strain on you physically, emotionally and financially.
In the busyness of it all, prayer is very important not only in The Christmas story but your Christmas story as well. Even though baby Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, each year we celebrate Christmas, it is a continuation of His story through us. Jesus left his legacy behind and how we celebrate Christmas carries on his legacy.
A very important prayer was answered over 2,000 years ago that changed the course of our lives forever. During the time of the birth of Jesus, King Herod an appointed Roman ruler, was king of Jerusalem. He was very ruthless and mean man. He murdered his wife, his 3 sons, his mother-in-law, uncle, babies in Bethlehem and many others. He was not a person the Jews wanted as their king. They very much were waiting and praying for a new king, one that would save them from Herod's rule (Matthew 2 :1-2).
After Jesus was born, the Magi came to Jerusalem asking, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him" (Matt. 1-2). King Herod was not happy to hear this, and made a plan to have Jesus killed.
Herod's plan obviously was not successful. Shortly after initiating his evil plan, Herod himself died shortly after. God heard and answered the prayers of those praying for a new king and saved them from the evil hand of Herod.
We have been doing a series on gifts we give and receive. The best Christmas gifts we could ever give and receive, can't be bought at a store or even wrapped in a box. Gifts are apart of The Christmas story and how we show one another we care.
But Let's be real, Christmas also is a busy time of the year, where there is a lot to get done in a short amount of time. It can put a strain on you physically, emotionally and financially.
In the busyness of it all, prayer is very important not only in The Christmas story but your Christmas story as well. Even though baby Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, each year we celebrate Christmas, it is a continuation of His story through us. Jesus left his legacy behind and how we celebrate Christmas carries on his legacy.
A very important prayer was answered over 2,000 years ago that changed the course of our lives forever. During the time of the birth of Jesus, King Herod an appointed Roman ruler, was king of Jerusalem. He was very ruthless and mean man. He murdered his wife, his 3 sons, his mother-in-law, uncle, babies in Bethlehem and many others. He was not a person the Jews wanted as their king. They very much were waiting and praying for a new king, one that would save them from Herod's rule (Matthew 2 :1-2).
After Jesus was born, the Magi came to Jerusalem asking, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him" (Matt. 1-2). King Herod was not happy to hear this, and made a plan to have Jesus killed.
Herod's plan obviously was not successful. Shortly after initiating his evil plan, Herod himself died shortly after. God heard and answered the prayers of those praying for a new king and saved them from the evil hand of Herod.
God's timing and plan are perfect in every way. If God can answer a prayer from 2,000 years ago, He can answer yours as well.
Your Prayers Matter. This Christmas don't forget to include PRAYER in Your Christmas Story. You never know what one prayer can do, it might just change your life or someone else's.
Have you opened up all of your gifts that God has given to you this Christmas?
Have you opened up all of your gifts that God has given to you this Christmas?
Have you included Prayer in your Christmas Story?
What will you be Praying for this Christmas?
Give and receive the Gift of Prayer this Christmas. Here is a Christmas Prayer for you.
A Christmas Prayer-
Dear God- Thank you for your amazing gift of Jesus this Christmas. Thank you for hearing our prayers and sending us Savior, a Messiah one that will redeem our world. You are so merciful and gracious. Thank you for sparing us and delivering us from the hands of the evil one. May your light shine through us this Christmas to others. May they see your bright light and know you have sent them a Savior. May everyone know and witness your love. May everyone receive the greatest gift of all this Christmas, eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Want to know more about the Christmas Story? Join me every Monday as we learn more about the birth of Jesus and His impact on our lives.
A revised version of this post was first published on www.heathergillis.com.
In Him,
Heather
If you want to know more about how you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior this Christmas please comment below I want more information or privately message us on our Alaska Christian Women's Ministry page.
If you want to know more about how you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior this Christmas please comment below I want more information or privately message us on our Alaska Christian Women's Ministry page.
1 comment:
Amen Heather!
Post a Comment