Isaiah 12:1-2
In that day, you will say: I will give thanks to you, Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away, and you comfort me. Surely God is my salvation. I will trust him and will not be afraid, because Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for all the blessings you have provided us throughout our lives, especially this past year. You have diverted your just and righteous anger for our sins from us to your Son and, instead of punishment, have given us salvation and everlasting life.
We deserved your wrath for all our sins, but you placed that upon Jesus, and in exchange, you gave us your mercy and love. Through faith, which your Holy Spirit began in us to believe in Jesus, our Savior, you have given us comfort and restored peace. Our every sin has been removed, and it is there that we have true peace.
Lord, we are reminded that you sent your Son to us, who became human and lived with us. This demonstrates how much you love us and what you are willing to do to restore us to you. You have sent us magnificent gifts—forgiveness, mercy, and love. They are ours, delivered through faith in Jesus. Thus, we can be sure of the unlimited ends you took to make our salvation possible, and we never need to be afraid of you.
As we begin a new year, we can also be sure you will protect us. Please keep these verses as our reminder of what you have done to save us so that when the world throws its troubles at us, we will not be afraid but cling to you, our Lord. You sent us your Son, and he is always with us. So please let us share our trust in you with those who do not know you so they, too, will not be afraid but sing the joys of salvation. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God sent his Son for you, Jesus suffered for you, and the Holy Spirit has blessed you with the faith to believe; this is God’s will for all people to know him, and he will save you by faith, knowing your sins are forgiven.