On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory) - John 7:37-39

It is dry in my part of the world this early winter of 2010. The weather experts say it will be dry through spring. When I go to the country and go down gravel and dirt roads, the dust is like powder – so fine that it seeps in through the seals on the doors and windows. Winter wheat and oats are stymied green shoots just out of the ground because there is not enough moisture to help them grow.

Our lives, our spirits, can feel parched and dry. All the big religious celebrations in the world can’t remove this dryness. They may make us forget it for awhile, but just for awhile. Our thirst can only be slaked by the Spirit of the Living God. Jesus poured out the Spirit when we first became his true followers. Yet even with the ongoing presence of the Spirit within us, we can lose sight of the living water within us. So let’s draw close to Jesus and ask that the Spirit’s presence have greater influence, power, and refreshment in our inner being.

Prayer:
O Father, God Almighty and God who is near, help me to sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. May the Spirit have great influence over my heart and my behavior. I willingly offer myself to be shaped, empowered and refreshed by the Spirit as I am conformed to be more like Jesus. It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Christmas is the time for recollections – remembering the beautiful times we had with our loved ones, remembering some funny incidents that happened on Christmas Eve and so on. More than all, it’s the time we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

It would have been a very different scenario (a horrible scenario, plainly speaking) if Jesus had not shown up on the scene. For years prophets prophesied about the Messiah’s birth. And He came – at the right time.

As pictured in the Scriptures, Christ’s birth was awesome. Talk about angels appearing, heavenly choir, supernatural star, top officials from far off countries coming just to worship the ‘baby King’ – it was just extraordinarily awesome!

And He changed the course of world history like no one else! He ushered in a new world into our world. Suddenly there was healing, miracles, wonders, supernatural provision, even the dead being raised to life. And on the cross, He opened the inimitably grand way to heaven and life without limits. And His resurrection literally tore off the old, dead principles of religion.

That’s the reason for this magnificent celebration of the season! So as you celebrate Christmas – may be with your family, friends or alone – know that this Jesus is for you! As He came to the earth for you, He forever loves you. He loves to see you live a life of fulfillment and victory.

We pray that you will experience Christ’s love and care in a special way during this Christmas. Happy Christmas!

Jesus is the reason for the season.

- – - written by Joe Abraham & Ancy Joe

When He Prayed In The Garden
It Was Us That He Did See
Knowing That He Had To Die
So We Could Be Set Free

When He Stood Before The People
And They Shouted, “Put Him On The Cross
He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels
But He Knew That We Were Lost

When They Stripped Him Of His Rode
And Beat Him To The Ground
He Could Have Called His Angels
But Choose Not To Make A Sound

FOr It Was His Love So Great
Yes His Love For Us
That Made Him Stay Right There
For It Knew It Was A Must

As He Walked Up That Road
With Each And Every Step
He Could Have Used His Power
But It Was His Love That Keep

Him Moving Towards That Hill
Where He Knew That He Would Bare
Our Sins Upon His Chest
Oh How Greatly He Does Care

The Nails, They Were Driven
Into His Feet And Hands
For It Was The Only Way
To Complete A Mighty Plan

There In The Middle
Of Two Thieves They Placed His Cross
What Did He See That Day
He Seen How We Were Lost

He Could Have Called His Angels
And They Would Have Come Indeed
But It Was Us That He Knew
Who Would Be In Great Need

Our Sins, There Have Been Many
Yes Many In Our Day
These Sins He Paid In Full
Because He Choose To Stay

Upon That Cross He Won
Our Battle To The End
Upon That Cross He Bearried
All Of The Sins

All The Sins Of Those
Who Are Covered In His Blood
Yes He Carrried That Cross For Us
All Becasue It’s Us He Loves

- – - written by Cathy Jo Moore