The Reason For The Season

“Jesus is the reason for the season!” I’m sure you’ve been hearing that phrase a lot these days. Although it can come across a bit cliché, I can’t think of a more succinct way to describe the most wonderful time of the year. It truly is all about this newborn King. Let’s never lose that childlike wonder as we contemplate the lengths God went to come into our world—a world He created—to rescue those He created: people like you and me. Of all the things He could have done to save us from our sins and permanent separation from Him, He decided to get personally involved. What a Savior we have in Jesus. In all the busyness of this Christmastime, let’s remember what it’s truly all about: Him. Now that’s something to pray about!

Advent

Advent is a special period of time in December that’s observed by many Christian traditions, especially those that follow the liturgical church calendar. Advent, a word that means “coming” or “arrival,” is a sacred time of year leading up to Christmas Day—a day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. Just as we look forward to celebrating the first advent of Christ with great joy and gifts on the 25th, we also look forward with hope to a second advent—a time when He comes to rule and reign forever. A prayer we can all be praying this Advent is simply “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” Just as He came the first time as a precious Baby, He will be faithful to come again as a glorious King. Now that’s something to pray about!

Walking With God

The last verse of Genesis chapter four mentions that “men began to call on the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26). Some have concluded that this is the first time prayer is mentioned in the Bible. Although this is the first reference to corporate prayer and worship, we have to go further back in the story to chapter two to find the first hint at personal prayer. Before the fall, we see that Adam enjoyed interaction and conversation with God in the garden of Eden in a way we will only fully understand when we get to Heaven. Keep in mind today that prayer is not something we do exclusively with others. Prayer can also be a quiet devotional time, or a relaxed conversation with God while gardening or walking through the woods. Now that’s something to pray about!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays of the year. The delicious turkey, side dishes and pies on Thanksgiving Day are surpassed only by the family and friends we get to enjoy it all with. The parades, football games and leftovers are the sprinkles on top of a joyous holiday weekend. During this blessed time of year, we all try our best to be more thankful, and I’d like to encourage us all to keep going all year round. Gratitude is one of the more distinguishing characteristics of a mature and healthy Christian faith. As we have heard during earlier Prayer Points this month, even Jesus prayed with thanksgiving. So, let’s keep being like Jesus, with thankfulness ever in our hearts and always on our lips. Now that’s something to pray about!

With Thanksgiving

One of my favorite Scriptures on prayer is Philippians 4:6-7, which reads: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Knowing we would all want more peace, Paul gives us great insight into how to go about getting just that. We are encouraged to remain prayerful, and do so with a spirit of gratitude, as those are the means of a peaceful heart and mind. Remember, there is nothing too small to pray about. So, let God know all of your requests—while adding thankfulness into the mix—and the God of peace is sure to be near. Now that’s something to pray about!