Christmas Eve*

Wise men still seek Him!

Christmas is about so much more than the story of the baby Jesus lying in a manger. For us, the story does not end there. It is about why He came. Christianity would not exist if the story ended with the Holy Family’s return to Nazareth. For us, it is not only the Messiah’s birth which fulfills Old Testament prophecy— it is His earthly ministry and sacrificial death which fulfills His prophesied destiny as Saviour of man, Conqueror of Death, Ruler of nations, King of all kings, Lord of all lords. Indeed, He is the Alpha and Omega.

As Christians, Advent is a joyous reminder of the anticipation we feel as we eagerly await the Second Advent of our Lord and Savior. Today's scripture verses are promises and reminders-- there is only One who truly knows who is naughty or nice-- His return is imminent, His reward is with Him, and His recompense is just.

Isaiah 40:10

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and His arm rules for Him. See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.

Isaiah 62:11

The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth:

"Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your Savior comes! See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.' "

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done.

Revelation 7:9-10

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 22:12-13

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing My reward with Me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Prayer Point

Pray for the gospel message to prosper all around the world (Revelation 14:6);

Pray for the love of God to be evident to those who are hurting ( Psalm 34:18, Philippians 2:4);

Pray for the body of true believers across the earth (Matthew 25:31-46; Hebrews 10:26-27; Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 19:24), especially those who are being persecuted for their faith (Hebrews 13:3)

Pray that Christians in America would follow Christ's example in words and deeds (John 13:34-35; Proverbs 21:13; Luke 3:11; Colossians 3:12)

Pray for the soon coming Kingdom of God (Luke 12:40; Hebrews 10:36).

*Light the fifth candle; if you have one white candle in your Advent wreath, that is the Christmas Eve candle.

#ChristmasEve #AlphaandOmega