What wonderful Christmas message from Kathy Branzell of National Day of Prayer!
Friend —
On that evening, as shepherds sat watch in their fields, keeping an eye and ear on their flocks, they received the most glorious message. Their eyes and ears could hardly comprehend what was happening. The sight and sound of the angels as the message that the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord had come! Imagine the joy and awe that must have filled them from head to toe as they received this, “Good News” and quickly responding to the invitation to go and see their Lord. Emmanuel! The LORD came down to dwell with His creation.
Luke 2:8-11 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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. NIV
Sent by the Father, Jesus arrived as the greatest gift of LOVE the world would ever know. As the angels said, “for all the people,” and as John reminds, and we repeat so often, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Before God even said, “Let there be light” He loved you and me; setting the stars in the pattern and path that would one day light the way for wisemen to follow and find the King of Kings and bow down and worship Him. In this Christmas season, and hopefully every day of our lives, we remember this LOVE and “Good News” that we are called to experience and express just as angels, shepherds and royalty.
At the Cross, Jesus, our Lord who was sent in love paid our sin debt in full offering us forgiveness and eternal LIFE. As our Creator and Redeemer, Jesus carried ours sins to the Cross and the wrath of God was poured out on Him as life left His earthly body that had walked this earth teaching, modeling and mandating the life that He designs, defines and desires. The author of our days provided the path back to our Heavenly Father, for all who would follow Him. Jesus provided life, eternal life that would never experiencing the eternal suffering and separation from God that our sin sentenced us to.
At Christ’s Resurrection, death’s chains were broken as Jesus steeped from the grave and at His Ascension prompted His disciples to go pray and wait on the promised Holy Spirit. As the Spirit was sent to dwell, empower and bring fruitfulness to the lives of every follower of Jesus the same power that brought Jesus out of the grave lives in us and is constantly working to the Father’s glory so that we can be constantly walking in the LIBERTY that Jesus has provided! No more shame, games or the stain of sin on our lives; every chain broken off of us so that we can walk in the freedom, fullness, forgiveness and fruitfulness that is that keeps us on the path of righteousness as we walk in step with Him, faith to faith, strength to strength and glory to glory.
Jesus life modeled and mandated the will of our Lord in our lives. He taught us to pray, commanded us to love, and commissioned us to go and make disciples; already giving us everything we need to live the life that He desire. (2 Peter 1:3) Our Lord came from heaven, sent in LOVE to bring eternal and abundant LIFE, and for LIBERTY to ring in our hearts and reign in our lives!
Let’s pray and thank Jesus for the heavenly gifts together.
Jesus, we come adoring You; praising You as our Lord, Love, Life, and Liberty. You alone designed, defined and then delivered these great heavenly gifts to us as You put on flesh; delivered in birth so that the world would be delivered from Satan’s grip. You provided escape of eternal torture and guided us with Your light to the throne room of Heaven, tearing the curtain from top to bottom for all to enter. Now, desiring all to come to repentance that none may perish, You wait patiently and work through Your people to go and share the same “Good News” the angels shared that wonderful holy night. Spirit, we pray that You fill us until our hearts and lips are ever overflowing; let us hurry, not tarry to share the message to the whole world. Lord compel us to deliver these gifts to others, to those who do not know You and our bound by the enemy. Lord in every season and soul we pray, “Pour out Your Love, Life and Liberty.”
Serving Him with Gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
National Day of Prayer Task Force
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org.
