John 3:16-18
For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the one who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We pray that we will always keep these words in front of us this Christmas and every day. For this purpose, You were sent into the world not to condemn the world but to save all people. At Christmastime, the world loses sight of the peace You came to bring, flippantly spouting off peace on earth and goodwill to men, expecting their lives to be filled with worldly peace. Yet by rejecting and refusing You, they will never find genuine peace.
We thank You for bringing us peace and hope on that first Christmas. Your heavenly Father knew the world’s terrible fate: we were already condemned because of sin—just as you told Nicodemus. So, You willingly came into this world to live under the law without falling into sin; You kept all the law perfectly. As the innocent Son of God and Mary’s Son, You willingly carried all our sins to the cross for us to suffer our punishment. So that everyone who believes in You is restored to a perfect relationship with You and the Father and the Holy Spirit. True peace and hope only come through believing in You; those who reject You remain condemned.
So, we ask that You send us the Holy Spirit so that our faith will grow, that we believe in You, and that we will not perish but have the certainty of everlasting life. As the Holy Spirit increases our faith and love for You, may that love overflow unto others so that we venture to share with others the good news of the reason for the true peace of the Christmas season; allow us to share the only place where actual peace lives and that is in heaven restored to the grace and mercy of You, our God. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
As Jesus stated, God’s will was for all to be saved; however, unbelief stops his will. So hear this truth: Jesus died on the cross to forgive you and give you peace and eternal life. If you want lasting peace this Christmas season, hear God’s love; He sent His Son to die for your sins.