As we approach the 1996 Christmas season we again consider the birth of our Lord Jesus. We praise Him, talk about His greatness and His works. This is good for the kingdom of God, even for the children of the Kingdom. I thank God that you are included with these children!

The Christmas story is told and retold. This is good, you should know the narrative by heart as a beginning. On the other hand, Jesus came to minister unto us and not to be ministered to (Mark 10:45). Therefore, I feel that it is important for me to continue with a teaching about who we are in God. Do not consider how others perceive you; just always know that God perceives you as a son (Re: Galations 4:1-7; Romans 8:29).

He [the first Son of God] was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own receive him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

Last month, I wrote about prayer, praise and unity. I told how Jesus ask the Father in Heaven to make us one with Him (John 17:20-22). So, this Christmas, when you give tribute to Him remember that you are exalted with Him. This knowledge makes it easy to keep Him in our daily conversation, our songs and our prayers.

In the book of Psalms we find how important prayer, praise and unity really are. God, through King David's prayer, his songs and his praise, made many preannouncements of the coming Messiah. Even the praise singers vocalized many of these declarations. Therefore, many years before Jesus was born the words of King David foretold Him and His acts. Could David have been an example for us? Is this the kind of unity that Jesus spoke of in John 17? I believe that both questions can be answered in the affirmative. Today, we have the opportunity to continue in this unity as we speak of Jesus, pray to the Father in Jesus name and praise Him for who He is. This is something to remenber this Christmas and throughout the year.

Love in the LORD,

Dean Hubbard