25 Christmas Prayers – Day 7

photo by Ben Earwicker

Day 7 – Savior

Lord, I can only imagine the shepherd’s fear that night as Your angel surrounded them in full 3D technicolor, bearing the good news for which so many had waited. For centuries, prophets foretold Your coming.

A simple birth. A simple manger. An extravagant plan, conceived in Your mind long ago because of Your love for us.

You Were Born to Die

Jesus, You were born to die. You came to rescue a world lost in their own suffering and confusion. You came to open blind eyes, long closed to the truth. You came to free prisoners whose hearts were hardened by hatred.

And Your announcement came to simple shepherds, tending their flocks. In the midst of their dark night, Your light appeared! What a beautiful chorus that must have been when a huge host of angels burst on the scene singing praises to God for this long awaited event.

You Are the Savior of the World

You are the Savior of the world–and Your birth, death, and resurrection built the bridge to an eternity with God- when we believe in You for our salvation. There is no other name–no other name but Yours that can usher us into the eternal presence of the Almighty!

Lord, thank You! Your plan–Your good news– is for all. That includes me, too! Thank you that in our selfishness and sinful ways, You saw something worth saving. You are My personal Savior, continually freeing me from strongholds that threaten my fellowship with You.

What Kind of Love Is This?

Long ago, You walked into my prison of darkness and broke the chains that had bound me for years. As long as I live, I will never understand Your love. What kind of love accepts you at your worst and pursues you to give you His best? Can I do anything but offer my praise and thanks to you this Christmas–and every day of my life?

Lord, help us to see You this Christmas with as much wonder as the shepherds did that night so long ago. Keep the message of salvation alive in our hearts, just as we are kept by You. No one can sever our relationship once we belong to You!

This Christmas–and the rest of our days, we celebrate You as the Savior of the world.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:8-14 NIV

(A small portion of this blog was adapted from my book, Daily in Your Presence, Intimate Conversations with a Loving Father, (c) 2002, Rebecca Barlow Jordan.)

Today is the seventh in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. Because it’s so familiar to most of us, it’s so easy to let the “Christmas story” lose its wonder and mystery. Sometimes I forget there are millions who have still never heard or believed the true Chrsitmas story.

The more I look at the names of our Lord, the more amazed I am at who He really is. Meditating on His names this Christmas has stirred in me once again the overwhelming praise and gratitude I feel for this God, this Savior, this Jesus who has such extravagant love for me–for us. I truly hope these simple blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you closer to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll be returning to my regular, weekly posts after Christmas).

What does the name “Savior” mean to you? Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to re-post on social media, using the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

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