Jesus, the media is usually devoid of good news, but rather corruption, murder, greed, and bickering politicians are at the forefront of the daily news.  How marvelous that an announcement made by an angel some 2,000 years ago would bring great joy not only for the people of that generation, but it continues to resound even to our generation and those who follow.  Your coming to earth brings great joy and provides eternal hope to all who believe on You. Today I will not walk under the cloud of bad news but I will soar above the clouds because my steps are ordered by You, not by the news of the day.  You are my strength, my hope and my joy!

Father, Scripture records that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what You have prepared for those who love You.  Even in our most vivid and God-inspired dreams we can’t begin to imagine all the joys and surprises that await us when we cross to the other side.  It is there that we will join other ransomed souls around Your throne where Your kingdom has no end and You will reign forever and ever….Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!  Hal-le-lu-jah!!!

Father, we consider with deep gratitude our endless blessings as we are among “all peoples on earth” transformed by the good news of great joy the angels delivered on that unforgettable night! The Savior, yes, the Lord Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, is Messiah. He is our Emmanuel, God with us, who has redeemed us from the pit of despair in this life and eternal damnation in the life to come. He will guide us through the dark and difficult places and set our feet upon a firm foundation to stay the course and sustain us on life’s path. Thank You for Your endless mercies.  Amen.

Father, we are thankful for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist who prepared the way for the Lord Jesus who came as Savior to the world.  We also thank You for ordinary individuals living blameless, upright lives who help prepare unbelievers to  receive the gospel message.  By their godly example and their communicating the truths of the Bible they become Your earth appointed messengers directing people’s hearts to Jesus who is the only way to the Father.  May we be among them.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Father, help us to be faithful to Your Scriptures no matter the tidal wave of evil that spreads across our land.  Truth is not based upon the popular opinion polls, but instead it is based upon Your eternal Word.  May we be found faithful, no matter the price we pay!   In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

In thanksgiving we lift our voices of praise from grateful hearts, Father, as we sing songs of praise and adoration to You, our blessed King.  Whether in seasons of prosperity or in seasons of want we find Your grace sufficient to meet each one of our needs.  You guide us, protect us, and You provide for us as we journey here below.  Every good and perfect gift comes from Your hand.  Thank You, faithful Father!  Amen.

Father, in thanksgiving we praise You for the first bright light of morning to the last warm glow of dusk.  Every breath that we take is sacred, for it is Your gift to us.  In the season of our plenty and in the season of our need we find Your grace sufficient, for we find Your love complete.  Safe within Your hand You guide us, hiding us in Your healing wings. Day by day Your love provides us every good and perfect thing.  We thank You for it all.  Amen.

Father, our journey here below is extremely difficult without the friendships, prayers, and assistance of our brothers and sisters who share our precious faith.  We thank you for those who sacrificially give of themselves to come alongside us; who walk with us in the ups and downs of this tempest life; who pray for us and help guide us when we can’t see what lies ahead. Their interest in our welfare and their continued presence brings reassurance that Your hand is extended to us through their kind and loving friendship.  Help us to carefully nurture our friendships so that we build one another up and bring refreshing to our conversation and in our times of fellowship.

Father, we thank You that You are no respecter of persons.  You are not willing that any should perish but that all would have everlasting life.  Thank You for not treating us as our sins deserve.  Instead You deal with us in Your mercy and love through the provision of Your Son’s death offered as a sacrifice for our sins.   Just as we have received Your mercy, we want to reach others with the message of forgiveness as we seek to fill Your house.  In Jesus’ merciful name we pray.  Amen.

Father, we’re reminded of Your absolute faithfulness as we reflect upon the Israelites journeying in the wilderness.  Even when they were unfaithful, You in Your unwavering faithfulness, provided for their daily needs.  We read the words of the prophet Jeremiah who wrote in Lamentations, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.  His mercies never come to an end.  They are new every morning.  Great is Thy faithfulness.”  And we sing along with the hymn writer, inspired by the words of Jeremiah, who penned these words, “All I have needed thy hand hath provided.  Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.”