YOUR VISION OF CHRISTMAS

 

What is YOUR vision of CHRISTMAS? Is it lights? Is it snow? Is it sunny Florida beaches? How would you picture the PERFECT CHRISTMAS?

I love Christmas decorations and I love how our Church was transformed into a beautiful winter scene with trees, snow, a manger, and an intimate home setting complete with a fireplace, decorated tree, and an advent wreath. When we got snow a few days ago it just really capped off my Vision of CHRISTMAS. As a point of emphasis, I am not a FAN of snow. I don't like driving in it, I don't like the cold weather that accompanies it and I could live without it, except in the MONTH OF DECEMBER. Yes, I NEED SNOW in December to go with all the lights and focus on the miracle of JESUS coming down to be with us!

The power of HOPE transforms us. It changes how we view what is going on in our daily lives and it transforms how we look at the future. THERE IS NO HOPE LIKE THE HOPE IN THE LORD! When we place our trust in God, He fill us with peace and joy. When we catch the HOPE for the FUTURE that hope overflows to our family, friends, and community. Hope is not dependent on GOOD THINGS happening, but is directly tied to the UNCHANGING CHARACTER of GOD. We are going to face challenges. We are going to face trials. This evil world is the cause of that. But, HOPE guides us through those challenges, it influences our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. 

"And in another place Isaiah said, 'The heir of David's throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.' I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:12-13, NLT)

Jesus is the heir of David's throne, the promised MESSIAH who will rule over the earth. AND when he rules over the earth we experience HOPE and PEACE because we can trust how he will rule us. GOD is the source of hope because when we yield our lives to him, we can trust he will protect us, he will guide our steps, and he will lead us to a BRIGHTER TOMORROW. 

Heavenly Father, I praise you for providing us a hope where there is no hope. I praise you from giving us peace where there is only chaos. I pray your hope will spill over into the lives of those I engage with every day. Let them feel my confidence in YOU as my LORD AND SAVIOR! Praise GOD for the JOY the fills me, not just during CHRISTMAS, but also throughout the year! AMEN!

How does HOPE IN THE LORD change your perspective on life today, and your life tomorrow?

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!