BREAKING THE CIRCLE OF FAILURE

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)

            Biblical truths can sometimes become abused. Heresy is usually not a blatant lie. An element of believability must be present for people to be deceived. Heresy disguises itself as a truth stretched to the realm of untrue. Sometimes well-meaning people mistakenly promote distortions but, nevertheless, somewhere along the way God leaves, cravings take over and heresy is created.

            Has this happened to the topic of success? Should people of faith expect material riches? Not long ago church leaders could not use the word “success” without believers assuming they should be wealthy, prevented only by lacking faith. Is success just a doorway to worldly prestige, possessions and power?

            Success is not evil, even though ambitions and reasons for wanting achievement can be impure. When motives are unwholesome God always knows true conditions. Everyone is judged under the light of divine truth.

            To abuse the concept of success is wrong and to be thoroughly opposed to success is equally wrong. If success is evil a person will only be righteous by failing. The Bible, however, consistently encourages believers to have great dreams, to possess thoughts of such magnitude that only God can receive glory when the imagining becomes reality.

            Scripture also challenges believers to strive, do their best and excel in every endeavor. Results are out of their hands but motivations should be to give maximum effort and performance.
            Unfortunately, many fail before they ever start. Some make provisions to fail more than succeed. What causes failure? Three things: Sin, wasting time and the circle of failure.

Sin

            Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

            Sin can entangle those attempting to live everyday for Jesus. Sin wraps itself around the legs like a cord and trips believers before they reach the goal line of glory.

            People of faith, recorded in Scripture, became failures by sin. Samson was brought to ruin by debauchery, orgies, yielding to temptation and contemptuous treatment of divine ability.

            David tarnished the remaining years of his kingship by adultery and murder. He genuinely repented and received forgiveness but the consequences of his actions led to moments of failure and national tragedy.

            Solomon worshiped the gods of numerous wives, ruining his reign as king.

            The devil does not care how high anyone soars as long as he can trip them up in the end.

            How does sin bring failure?

            It divides. Sin causes separation from God, failing eternally. Sin separates husband and wife, failure in marriage – parent and child, failure in the home – employer and employee, failure in career.

            It drives. Sin drives you away from good habits that lend themselves to success. Sin takes you to places you should not go, to do things you should not do. Sin drives your life and often dictates actions.

            One thing clearly driving Americans today is appetite. The land of plenty has become the home of obesity. The stomach drives people more then the Holy Spirit, the appetite becoming a god.

            It dulls. Sin dulls a sense of opportunity. You lose a sense of alertness to the Holy Spirit who attempts to lead you on successful pathways. Sin dulls your relationship with Jesus, the Leader of your life and the Light of your way.

            Ultimately, it defeats. When someone is divided, driven and dulled by sin, they easily throw in the towel of despair. Sin, by its very nature, overwhelms and makes people failures.

Wasting time

            Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)

            Are you failing to maximize opportunities? The average person is able to do more than they think possible.

            I led construction teams to El Salvador on a few occasions. Each work day was backbreaking. I ended the days doing a 30 minute run around a soccer field, sometimes adding a jog up a steep hill. One year a couple of workers decided to participate in my routine.

            One guy, an inexperienced long-distance runner, began with a burst of energy but quickly slowed down. I caught up to him and became a pacesetter. A lap around the track took about 30 seconds. At the 28 minute mark I heard him saying repeatedly “four more laps,” doing a countdown with each lap.

            Near the end of the last lap I challenged him to a half-lap race. He picked up speed and zoomed ahead. He won and was thrilled with his success. I revealed my motivation. I said “Never stop simply because of circumstances. There is plenty of will after the mind wants to quit.”

            Doing a job is more than just going to a work place. Measure productivity! What did you accomplish? Advancement comes by demonstrating trustworthiness, competence and reliability. When you curb the unnecessary, you will be more productive. This translates into measurable success.

            Busyness does not mean blessedness and the urgent is not always the important. There is a place for saying, “No!” Do you find yourself often motivated by “if I don’t do it, it won’t get done!” Maybe you should ask yourself, “If I don’t do it, should it be done?” Do things you are passionate about; you do not have to do everything. And do not allow others to cause you to feel guilty for not doing their unrealistic expectations.

            Sin and wasting time leads to failure. Sin deters – you “miss the mark” of success. Wasting time deters – you miss God-given opportunities.

The circle of failure

            The circle of failure draws it strength from sin and wasting time. The circle is a series of mental blocks suppressing creativity. They become communicated in many ways.

            Commonly used blockages include the following:

            “I’m poor at ___________________.”  I was poor working with hand-tools but became a missile technician and glazer (glass worker).

            “I’m lousy at __________________.”  I was a lousy speller but became a writer.

            “I’m shy.”  Does this prevent you from doing activities involving standing in front of others?

            “I’m not good at talking.” If this was unchangeable then God made a mistake choosing Moses. D.L. Moody was frequently criticized for poor speaking ability.

            “I’m uncoordinated, awkward or clumsy,” Are you excusing yourself from participating in a favorite sport?

            “I’m ugly.” In 1975 Janis Ian made famous the song “At 17,” which included the phrase “the world is meant for beauty queens.” This inaccurate perception seems real to teenage girls.

            “I’m German, Italian, Irish, Swedish or Scottish,” stereotyping bull-headed, hot-tempered, brawler, stubborn, cheapskate. Heritage is no reason for failure.

            “I’m not white.” Asian American, Arab American, African American, Latin American, Native American – sometimes people blame poor attitudes and actions on their race and skin pigmentation.

            “I’m old.” Colonel Sanders started Kentucky Fried Chicken after he retired, in his sixties. George Burns wrote in How to Live to be 100, “You don’t have to worry about getting old, that’s inevitable, you have to worry about rusting.”

            “I’m Pentecostal.” Some consider that beliefs disqualify them from opportunity. A greater tragedy is compromising beliefs to gain opportunity.

            The circle of failure has five basic components: “I’m a failure” … opportunity … join … “I can’t!” … Why? Because….

            Here is an example:

            “I’m shy.”

            “Come join the worship team.”

            “I’ll join.”

            “But I can’t!”

            “Why? Because I’m shy!”

            Here is another:

            “I can’t spell.”

            “Write an article for a newsletter.”

            “I’ll try.”

            “But I can’t!”

            “Why? Because I am poor at grammar!”

            People stop themselves from trying before they even begin, staying bound to feelings of inadequacies. Are you making provisions to fail instead of succeeding, living in the circle of failure?

Living for Jesus breaks the circle of failure

            And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV) 

            Jesus is in the refinement business. He helps you strengthen your strengths and manage your weaknesses. As a follower of Jesus you are changing all the time. With faith in God you can look at shortcomings and say, “That’s the way I use to be but in Christ I will not be that way anymore.”

            You break the circle of failure by replacing “I can’t” with “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

Application

            Jesus breaks the barriers of life. Put aside sin and redeem the time, then trust Jesus to work good changes in you.

            Failures of the past need not have power over you. Jesus is in the process of making you successful “with ever-increasing glory.”

CHRIST CELEBRATION

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:4-14 ESV)

            The word Christmas comes from combining the words “Christ” and “Mass.”  The holiday is a celebration of Christ. You are rejoicing about His coming to earth.

            Years ago Brenda and I went to Florida in December to see our daughter-in-law graduate from Southeastern University. Part of her graduation gift included a trip to Disney’s MGM studio. A New York City Street setting is located on a back lot. During the evening the whole area was lit-up with millions of decorative lights. It was impressive! While walking down the street simulated snowflakes fell out of clear Florida skies, the flakes being made from tiny dissolvable soap shavings. I do not recommend catching them with your mouth. The visitors were giddy over the fake snow. Christmas is not special because of snow.

            While visiting the Disney complex we also saw the decorations at the Grand Floridian Hotel. A clubhouse-size genuine Ginger Bread House was located in the lobby, along with numerous Victorian Christmas trees. Walking toward the main entrance the song “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” was playing and chestnuts were being cooked on a gas grill near the front doors. The cook gave a few samples and showed us how to open the shell. They were the blandest nuts I had ever eaten and tasted terrible. Not a fond memory. Christmas is not special because of songs about chestnuts.

            Christmas is a celebration of Christ and all He desires for you.

A celebration of love

            Special Love came to earth two thousand years ago – eternal love, forgiving love. Genesis reveals God from the start was making ready a time when He would manifest His love in flesh and blood.

            Children are born out of a love relationship between husband and wife. Jesus came out of a love relationship between God and His world. “For God so loved the world….” (John 3:16)

            Unique to Christmas is not only a celebration of the Father’s love but also the Son’s love. Jesus did not have to come; He wanted to come. There was no coercion for Him to give up a throne in heaven and come to earth. Philippians declares He humbled Himself – He emptied Himself of His rightful position, took on human form and became “Immanuel,” God with us.

            Christmas is love in its fullest measure. Without love the meaning of Christmas is lost.

A celebration of giving

            “For God so loved the world that He gave….” (John 3:16) Someone once said, “I have taken commercialism out of Christmas – I no longer give gifts.” Sounds more like a cheapskate. Christmas is giving, a time of year when people think beyond themselves. The world would be a miserable place without “giving” hearts. All forms of stinginess only intensify society’s ills.

            Alleviating human suffering requires more than money, it takes people willingly giving time and talent. As people freely give time to help others, they make church meaningful and beneficial to the community and beyond.

            Be found giving during this celebration of giving. Give testimony of Jesus to those not knowing Him. Give essential items to those in need. Give yourself to others in beneficial ways.

A celebration of sacrifice

            Mary and Joseph sacrificed reputation. The shepherds gave a sacrifice of praise. Simeon and Anna gave a sacrifice of service. The Wise Men sacrificed time and treasures. Jesus sacrificed His life.

            Part of Christmas involves a spirit of sacrifice. You can give a sacrifice of praise when gathering to worship. You can present your life as a living and holy sacrifice to God before neighbors and friends. You can be sacrificially involved in various activities of church and community. You can consistently go beyond the expected and into the realm of sacrifice for His kingdom.

            Jesus gave instruction in the Sermon on the Mount. Do you carry a soldier’s gear for one mile?  No, for two! The first is compulsion, demanded by civil law. The second is testimony, given by divine grace.

            Do we forgive seven times? No! Forgiveness is a lifestyle and done as long as it takes for others to see Jesus.

            Sacrifice will always cost something. Sacrifice may even be agonizing, involving pain similar to the labor pains Mary experienced the first Christmas. This is part of Christmas.

A celebration of joy

            The angels proclaimed, “Good news of a great joy….”

            Think about grumpy Mr. Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic. What makes for a Christmas scrooge is not consumerism or traditions of Santa Claus. A scrooge comes from the loss of genuine joy.

            What changes the heart of a Christmas scrooge is not remembering the past, seeing the present and fearing the future. The human heart is only changed by responding to the Good News of Christmas joy.

            Jesus is the provider of joy – deep-seated, thirst-quenching, load-lightening and soul-satisfying joy. If someone lacks joy at Christmas it is not because of circumstances and situations. Joy comes from the announcement made by angels. Christmas joy embraces the good news about Christ.

A celebration of good will

             Christmas speaks of kind attitudes, of benevolence. The celebration is about wishing others well and being compassionate towards one another. The celebration is about reaching out to those less fortunate and demonstrating they are not forgotten. The celebration is about contacting someone from the past with expressions of gratitude, of saying thanks through Christmas cards to people making a difference in your life.

            The church is a divinely-designed community that cares about others and desires God’s best for everyone. December 25^th and the events leading up to the day gives the world a glimpse at what followers of Jesus are like all year round. Christmas is good will to all, a testimony of faith in God.

A celebration of service

            Jesus came as a servant born in humble surroundings, not royal comfort. His actions were of a servant, not a king. A major statement about His kingship is Servant of all.

            When you think of Christmas, think of service. Mary gave service caring for the defenseless Infant. Simeon gave service dedicating the Child in the temple. Joseph gave service raising the Son of God as his own.

            What kind of service are you giving?

A celebration of peace

            The hope and desire of people around the world is peace. The desire for peace that founded the United Nations is only achievable through the Prince of Peace.

            Some believe peace comes by strength, others believe by abolishing weapons. Before peace can come to earth, it must first come to the human heart. Soothing a troubled nation requires calming a defiant soul.

            There is no peace on earth until everyone stands on common ground. Faith in God is the only common ground providing everlasting peace. The angels declared, “Peace among those with whom He is pleased…peace among those of His good pleasure.”

            Christmas declares peace is attainable through a right relationship with God, becoming pleasing to Him and conforming to His will.

Application

            For many people Christmas is a merry moment and nothing more. To believers Christmas is a year-long celebration of Christ, a celebration of love, giving, sacrifice, joy, good will, service and peace.

            Celebrate Christ! Show the world the nature of Jesus throughout the coming year.

AFTER BETHLEHEM

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” … And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” (Matthew 2: 1, 11-13 ESV)

            The Christmas holiday is a special time in my home filled with tasty treats, delicious food, fun games and family traditions. With the children grown and developing celebrations for their families, my wife and I occasionally experience the season differently. Last year we celebrated Christmas at Bethlehem.

            Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, a couple miles south of Jerusalem. Along with the northern town of Nazareth, the community is the home of many wonderful Palestinian Christians. Because of growing harassment by Palestinian Muslims the Christian population is declining, many leaving the country.

            Christmas in Bethlehem, however, is still a great celebration. A large Christmas tree stands positioned at the Square. The shops and street venders are busy selling beautifully crafted merchandise and delicious food. People cheerfully greet each other with sounds of merry Christmas in multiple languages.

            My wife collects Starbucks coffee mugs. We have cups from Australia, Canada, England, Greece, and cities in the United States. We were surprised and found ourselves laughing when we came across the “Stars & Bucks” café in Bethlehem, using a slightly altered logo. We bought a mug and proudly use it.

            Although Hanukah was also being celebrated in Jerusalem during the time, the Christian quarters of the Old City was brightly decorated with Christmas trees, Santa Claus and ornaments.

            Christmas is celebrated with glamour and gadgets around the world. May we not lose sight of the true message of Bethlehem, a place where lives become changed! You cannot go home the same way you came. A genuine encounter with God causes a change in direction.

            Of all places, why Bethlehem? It is an unlikely choice, a little village overrun with transients. You are told to go to a “nowhere” place where a “nobody” named Mary gave birth to a child given a common name. The place is the crossroads of humility.

            Bethlehem is a symbol of divine love. The word Bethlehem means “place of bread.” Situated in the middle of barrenness is a town with productive soil. Out of a place where the most basic human need was met came the Bread of Life. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life…. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6: 47, 51) You are asked to travel to Bethlehem, the place of bread, in order to partake of the Bread of Life and never grow hungry of what matters the most, things pertaining to eternity.

            Two thousand years ago two groups of people entered Bethlehem on one road and left on another.

The magi

            Travelers from the east were warned in a dream to depart a different way. Previous plans and directions needed to change. They would be seemingly inconvenienced, requiring disruption to their scheduled and orderly lives. Beholding Jesus does that to people. Life becomes prioritized differently, no longer business as usual.

            The chosen race was busy trying to keep from being inconvenienced, yet wisdom was seen in a small band of travelers considered the wrong race, the wrong language and the wrong religion when they fell down on their knees before Jesus. Insiders were busy supporting status quo while outsiders gave lavish and generous gifts.

            How far will you go in order to discover meaning? Some only go just far enough to say they have been there. Jesus is included in holiday events so He can be checked off a to-do list saying, “Been there!” Are you willing to take the path to Bethlehem knowing it is far from a destination but rather a start of a new journey?

            A decision lies before you, much like a fork in a road. Having been where you have been and seen what you have seen, you must decide who you will be, an uninterrupted insider or a willing outsider.

            Many are familiar with Robert Frost’s famous poem, “The Road Not Taken.” It concludes by saying, “I shall be telling this with a sigh; Somewhere ages and ages hence; Two roads diverged in a wood, and I; I took the one less traveled by; And that has made all the difference.”

            The road less traveled was the one chosen by the Magi and it made all the difference in their lives. Meeting Jesus alters plans. If you are like most people, your plans could stand some alterations.

Mary and Joseph

            Reaching Bethlehem was only a tiny part of the journey on which they found themselves. Upon arriving in the village they came to a “no room in the inn” dead-end. They had no place to go. After the Magi visited, they discovered what appeared as a dead-end was really a detour. They fled to Egypt and another Old Testament prophecy about the Christ was fulfilled.

            Some believe the gifts given by the Magi provided the resources for them to live. The point, however, is that they had to be willing to seek another, less familiar road once they had been to Bethlehem.

            Mary and Joseph fled in order to preserve the fragile life of God’s Son. There is a truth here for people with new found faith in God. Some simply try to add Jesus to their life. They add Him to their schedule – church attendance gets a place in the routine. They add financial giving to the church like another bill or obligation. Some even add their talents and skills “pro bono” for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

            The one thing many will not do is change roads. They refuse to grasp the basic truth that in order to preserve the fragile spiritual life born in the human soul a person cannot go back on well-known paths.

            Jesus is not an “add on” – He is Lord. The invitation to have a meaningful relationship with God is not about self-improvement but rather transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit.

            You must distinguish between the road to Bethlehem and the road from Bethlehem. People who come to Bethlehem cannot return the same way they came. You cannot see Jesus and go back on familiar roads. All plans become surrendered and all ambitions become subservient to Him for the joy and riches of eternal life.

Application

            The Magi teach that Jesus came to disrupt the events by which we order our lives. Joseph and Mary teach that preserving the infant spiritual life born in you requires going another way then the way previously traveled.

            Many roads bring people to behold the Child, involving tradition, curiosity, respect and faith. Some come because religion seems appropriate during Christmas. Others are curious about the real reason for the season.  Some come out of respect for family or friends. Others come out of a new found faith in God.

            Whatever road brings you to Bethlehem, do not go home the same way. After beholding Jesus take the pathway leading to peace, joy and contentment. He even gives a traveling companion, enabling you to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit.

            A song sung this time of year is a favorite for many, “Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer.” Think about the lyrics! Rudolph was not accepted until his shortcomings were proven useful and the creature did a noble act. Jesus simply wants you to come. He has already accepted you, will you accept Him?

            Go to Bethlehem to behold Jesus. Let Him change the direction your life is taking.

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:22-23 ESV)

            The poem “Twelve Days of Christmas” is associated with a television network as a Christmas theme this year. Twelve made-for-television movies are being premiered during the holiday season and promoted using the familiar title.

            The song has also gone through several humorous renderings. I recently heard a consumer oriented portrayal of the piece on the radio: “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Japanese transistor radio….”

            Most people see the song as a silly Christmas carol. What is the story behind the strange lyrics written by Catholic clerics?

            The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church was outlawed in 16^th century England by King Henry VIII. A person could be drawn and quartered for teaching children Catholicism. The church went underground. Clerics composed what seemed to be a senseless poem to teach important tenets of faith.

            The twelve days do not begin December 14 and go through Christmas Day.  The days of Christmas are December 25 to January 5, beginning on Christmas Eve (midnight Mass) and ending on the Day of Epiphany (the day established to recognize the coming of the Magi). Those days were a time of rededication and renewal when people were confined to inactivity by the cold English weather.  Societies were rural and very few worked in the dead of winter.

            The custom ended primarily because of progress. With the coming of the Industrial Age and a year-round work schedule, the practice became difficult and eventually discarded. Twelve days became 12 hours, Christmas Eve evening to Christmas Day morning.

            The “True Love” mentioned in the song is not a sweetheart but a code for God.  The person receiving gifts represents anyone accepting Jesus as the Son of God and their personal Savior. Each gift portrays an important facet of faith.

1^st day – the True Love gave to me “a partridge in a pear tree.”

            The partridge represents Jesus, whose birthday is celebrated on the first day of Christmas. A mother partridge is the only bird that will die to protect its young.

2^nd day – the True Love gave to me “two turtledoves.”

            The Old and New Testament! The doves are the roadmap, guiding people to the meaning of life and the way home.

3^rd day – the True Love gave to me “three French hens.”

            The three virtues of faith, hope and love. This gift gives attention to essential elements for having a relationship with God.

4^th day – the True Love gave to me “four calling birds.”

            The four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John! They call out to everyone the Good News of eternal life.

5^th day – the True Love gave to me “five gold rings.”

            The first five books of the Old Testament! The Pentateuch gives the golden rule of life and divine principles for living successfully.

6^th day – the True Love gave to me “six geese-a-laying.”

            Each egg is a day in creation. The world was hatched or formed by God.

7^th day – the True Love gave to me “seven swans a-swimming.”

            This part of the poem requires more familiarity with the Bible. The seven gifts are the attributes of exhorting, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and being merciful. (Romans 12:6-8)

8^th day – the True Love gave to me “eight maids a-milking.”

            Jesus came to save the lowliest of the low. A milkmaid was the worst job someone in England could have during this period. The eight maids are the Beatitudes – the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

9^th day – the True Love gave to me “nine ladies dancing.”

            The fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

10^th day – the True Love gave to me “ten lords a-leaping.”

            This is the easiest gift to understand – the Ten Commandments. Lords were judges in charge of the law.

11^th day – the True Love gave to me “eleven piper piping.”

            The pied pipers represent the original disciples truly committed to Christ, proclaiming the message of salvation. This almost appears as a trick question because most think of twelve disciples but Judas forsook Jesus.

12^th day – the True Love gave to me “twelve drummers drumming.”

            This represents the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. A Creed is a statement of faith containing elements needful for salvation. This Creed became a major tool for teaching the central truths of faith before the Bible was widely read.

Application

            Twelve days may no longer be celebrated, but whatever days or hours Christmas is honored serves as an important bridge, connecting persecuted believers with God’s plan.

            In many parts of the world the church is still experiencing persecution. Some following Jesus are being imprisoned and tormented, others have gone underground. Code words and signals are still connecting believers with others for strength and encouragement. Whenever you sing or hear the song being performed this holiday season, pray for the persecuted church.