John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, everything was made, and without him, not one thing was made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please be with us this Christmas as we celebrate your Son’s birth. Let us never forget the impact upon the world of Jesus’ coming, saving us from all our sins. While he was born of Mary, he is also the true God, united with you from all eternity. How the fullness of God could be contained in a woman’s womb will always remain a mystery, and while it may not be understood, that doesn’t mean it did not happen. That baby, born in Bethlehem, created the world and gave it life, and when our sins separated us from you, bringing death, Jesus restored that life.
“The life was in him,” and John wrote, “The life was the light of mankind.” Since he created the light that brought life, he also knew how to restore what was lost in the sins’ darkness. He gave his life in place of ours on the cross; he suffered the complete separation from you that we deserve. Since Jesus rose from the dead, we have the confidence knowing you have pardoned all our sins; we have forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation through faith in Jesus.
Your will is for people to come to know you and trust in the light that brings life. By believing in the light—Jesus—we also trust in you. Please restore us in your grace and mercy through faith in the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross. Let us share that faith with those who do not know you or the Word so they will receive the gift of life this Christmas. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
That tiny baby born in Bethlehem and nailed to the cross is your Creator and Savior. He allowed his hands—which formed, held, and gave the universe life—to be fixed to the cross with nails to forgive your every sin and restore you to everlasting life.