Father, our hearts are heavy when we awaken each day with widespread evil, whether it’s in our region of the world or in a distant land like Pakistan where over 100 innocent children were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists overnight. It could drive us to despair when we consider the continuous chipping away of Biblical morals and godly restraint sweeping across the globe. Additionally so many deal with these troubling situations through a politically correct lens instead of the black and white truth. The only lasting answer to our soul’s diseases and widespread evil is provided for us in the arrival of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Though the majority reject Your answer for our sin problem, how grateful that Jesus still came, for He lives within the hearts of those who see their need and receive His forgiveness. In the midst of the prevailing darkness, like Longfellow, we declare that You are not dead and You do not sleep. Darkness is a temporary state, but Yours is an everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee, O God of light! Help us, in the midst of our own despair, to hear the bells. Amen.

Father, the message conveyed by the angels was heard by the shepherds and rings out for all generations. Multiple circumstances can frighten us causing us to lose hold of the assurance that You watch over and care for us. We need not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day, moving swiftly, coming suddenly, and striking when we least expect it. Though trials assail us they will not engulf us, for we overcome the enemy of fear through the word of our testimony. Jesus overcame the enemies of hatred, persecution, suffering and death and rose victorious over the grave. May the same resurrected power of Jesus subside our fears and doubts and build our faith and trust in the Holy One of Israel. Amen.

Loving Father, from Your generous hands flows every good and precious gift. We receive physical, material, relational, and spiritual blessings that far surpass our daily needs. We acknowledge that You are the one and only true God, the Savior and Redeemer of our soul. We give You glory for all that we are and all that we hope to be. Be glorified in and through us as we walk in humility and express thanksgiving to You in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father, just as the shepherds spread the word concerning what had been told them about the Child we too want to spread the word regarding all that we learn about the Christ Child through the revelation of Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Thank You for sending Jesus not only to royalty but also to the peasant, not only to the influential but also to the unknown. We do not hesitate but joyfully and openly bring Him glory and honor; the Babe, the Son of Mary. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

Father, Your love comes like a light in the darkness, like the bright star in the east that burst forth in the Bethlehem skies. The hosts of heaven made it a song of joy and celebration as Jesus was born into the world, the Saviour for all mankind. In the darkness of night the light of Christ appeared drawing people near and far, then and now. Love enters the hearts of many as they contemplate the message of Christmas, that it is a message of love and provision; love for all and provision for our sins. Love has come to us; love that brightens our lives and fills us with hope now and for all eternity. And at the same time there are many who are drawn to darkness like King Herod who sought to destroy the Christ child. We don’t understand such thinking once we come into the light, but it was a reality then as it is now. Thank You for the freedom to choose, and Lord, we choose You! Amen.