Three Reasons to Rejoice This Christmas

December 23, 2016

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good. Psalm 73:28a

1. GOD IS WITH YOU. God’s presence changes everything. In the Bible Gideon was called to lead his people out of oppression, but he was a reluctant warrior who was in a rough place. When God sent an angel, Gideon argued with him asking, “Why has all this happened to us?” (Judges 6:13). God responded: “Go in this your strength and deliver Israel . . . Have I not sent you? . . . Surely I will be with you” (Judges 6:14, 16a).

2. GOD IS GUIDING YOU. As we close out the year, God is saying, “The Lord is with you, oh valiant warrior” (Judges 6:12). Like Gideon, we may feel depleted, we may be in a bad situation, we may feel weak—but God sees us differently than we see ourselves. And when we step out in obedience and in faith, amazing victories can happen. Take time to seek God—with Him at your side you will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8).

“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25

3. GOD IS FOR YOU. The only answer is Jesus. He is the hope for our country: the cities, the suburbs, the rural areas. He is the hope for every nation. When you are facing challenges, remember that God is for you (Romans 8:31). When you sin, repent. He wants you to succeed and be fruitful more than you do. So walk into the future with the strength of knowing God is with you, He is guiding you, and He is for you. With Him you can get through anything!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jeff

PRAY THIS PRAYER
Jesus, I give You my heart today. Be the Lord of my life. I repent for all my sins and ask You to forgive me. Help me to press past worry, fear, and discouragement and walk into Your big, beautiful plan for my life. I dedicate my life to serving You all of my days. Amen!

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us). Isaiah 7:14 AMP

Copyright © 2016 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Scripture quotations marked “The Amplified Bible” are taken from The Amplified Bible, Old Testament copyright 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.