Pastor Thoughts - December 2021

December 2021

A Thought from Pastor Bryson,

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” … And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:10-11, 13-14)

A Christmas Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the blessing of seeing another Christmas season. For those of us who profess faith, Christmas is a season of hope and renewal. You came in the person of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us. For that we are so thankful.

But there are many today O Lord who are fearful. There are many who question – where is the peace on earth and good will toward men the angels talked about so long ago? Help us as Your ambassadors to spread the Good News of the gospel that Jesus was born to become our Savior, to take our sins upon Himself. Faith in Him brings peace with God, peace within, and peace with our fellow man.

Help us to remember we live in a fallen world, spiritual warfare is ongoing, and the enemy does not desire anyone to experience Your free gift of salvation and the joy that accompanies it. But for those of us who profess faith in You, help us to manifest Your presence in our daily living. Help us to pray for our fellow man and to be Your instruments doing all the good we can to all the people we can. Help us to walk in Your strength and as we do, we are filled with hope for the bright future that awaits us. As we live life in an intimate relationship with You, we do experience the abundant life You so freely give to all who accept You.

In our daily living, help us to understand we are spreading seeds of hope to all we encounter. Unfortunately, all will not believe or be receptive – You know that full well for in Your day many rejected You.

Help us to follow Your example in never faltering in Your calling, staying focused in doing Your Father’s will. As we do so Lord, we know that our faith, and our living will not be in vain. The Christmas message is very much alive, we pray for hearts to be receptive to what You have to offer, then and only then will they ever experience peace and joy.

We pray this in Your most holy name. Amen.