December has arrived, and with it the prospect of new birth! As we prepare to celebrate a new arrival in our immediate family and to remember the arrival of our Saviour as a tiny, vulnerable baby, our thoughts are turned to all that is involved in new birth: the travail of labour, the hopes and fears of anticipation mingled with uncertainty, the joy that babies bring to their families. We’ve been cooing over a new baby at the Parent & Toddler group; there is a collective joy that comes with new birth.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables that capture something of the rejoicing in heaven when something lost is found: ‘there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ (Luke 15:10, see also Luke 15:7, 31-32) Throughout December and beyond, we need to be praying for new birth to come in the spiritual realm, for people to be called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light (see 1 Pet 2:9) and for them to be born again (John 3:3).
Spiritual birth comes when the Holy Spirit convinces us of the truth of the gospel message, and Christmas is an ideal time to talk about spiritual things with our families, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Pray that we will be able to witness boldly and effectively to all, showing joy and hope because of Jesus. Christmas is about so much more than decorations, presents and cooking, and we have an incredible opportunity to let others know of the reason for the hope we have.
Pray for our outreaches during December (especially the Christmas Market and community carol service next Friday, 9th December, and our carol services at Cherry Tree Court on 11th December and at Market Street on 18th December). Pray for the invitations which will be posted through doors in Goldthorpe over the next few weeks and for the courage to invite people to services. We long for God to touch people’s hearts as they receive invitations and for the Holy Spirit to bring many people into contact with us.
Pray especially that people will hear the truth of the most amazing story in the world and that eyes will be opened and hearts softened to believe and receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. We long to see not only new birth in the natural realm, but new birth in the spiritual realm.
