Friday December 29, 2023

Today is Friday, December 29 and we are celebrating that Christmas is here and Christ is here.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and focus myself on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving Father, I rejoice that Christmas has come. I long to put Jesus Christ first in my life today and always. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, enable me to hear the message you have for me. Show me what it means to find Christ in Christmas. Amen.

Today, I rejoice in God’s steadfast love with the words of Psalm 86.

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Psalm 86:8-10

Pause and Pray

Paul does not hold back in pronouncing the supremacy of Christ above all things, every thing. His letter to the Colossians contains a strong affirmation of the lordship of Jesus Christ. The entire book has an intense focus on a high Christology. Jesus Christ is Lord. Lord of the cosmos, Lord of the church, Lord of life, lord of all. The book of Colossians inspires me to live my life with Jesus as top priority. When I believe in Jesus Christ, I put my faith in the power of the One who made the universe and sustains the entire creation.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20

If I have not already made Jesus Lord of my life, why wouldn’t I? Christ is the supreme head of all things. All of creation came into existence through him and for him. He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. All things hold together because of him. That is awesomely powerful. God wants me to have this power of Christ at work in my life – bringing peace, causing restoration, enabling reconciliation. I have the greatest opportunity every day to invite Jesus into my circumstances. Jesus supreme, powerful and mighty. In awe, I ponder what it means to worship such an amazing Savior, supreme in the cosmos yet intimate in my heart. Why would I not put Jesus first in my life, above everything else?

Ask: Is Jesus Christ Lord of my heart, supreme ruler and authority of my life? Or have I placed other things first?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, you are the firstborn over all creation and you rule in heaven and on earth. All the world is placed at your feet and God has given you authority. You are the head of your body, the church. Show me the places in my life that I withhold from your rule. Show me the places I resist granting you authority and continually strive in my own meager power. I read Paul’s words again and listen for the message you have for me today.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I reflect on this image of Jesus Christ, one with God the Father, active in creation, powerful over all authorities in earth and heaven. I think of the places in my life where I persist in relying on my own power, ingenuity and strength. Places where I think I know best. Circumstances that I fail to bring to Jesus, because I already have figured out what to do on my own. Worries and concerns that I consistently bear because I fail to seek help from someone greater than the world. Sometimes I may have watered-down Jesus and neglected to lift his name as high as his might and power deserve.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, you are mighty and powerful and rule in the heavens. I invite you into my life, Lord, to rule in my heart. I give over all of my cares and concerns, I lay all of my responsibilities and relationships before you, I relinquish my problems and priorities. I kneel before the foot of your mighty throne and recognize your power over all of my life. I acknowledge you as my powerful risen Savior and Lord. Amen.

For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go with confidence in the power and grace of King Jesus. Show me how I can love and serve others in his mighty name.

Amen