All I want for Christmas…

Our Christmas theme at Bethel this year is “ all I want for Christmas”. The theme didn’t come about by hearing Mariah Carey singing it! but by someone being interviewed about the general election and Brexit and saying “All I want for Christmas is…..confidence”.

As Christians no matter what the election result, and the possibility of leaving the European union, we have confidence, Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, there is only One who will never change:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

As Christians, lets pray leading up to election day. Lets make prayer our first response and not our last resort.

1. Let’s pray for our political leaders.
Being a political leader is no small task; the power of politics is paid in stress. As we consider the responsibility of our leaders, let’s pray for wisdom, health, and safety. Paul reminded Timothy to pray for his leaders in 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

2. Let’s pray for wisdom for ourselves.
As Paul mentions in the verses above, Christians should long to reflect the love of Christ in our actions and opinions. When oppositional views are revealed, our responses should be spoken in loving kindness and truth. Doing this requires great wisdom that can only come from our heavenly Father. Ask the Lord to guide your heart and mouth during this election period so our thoughts and replies to align with His ways.

3. Let’s pray for our nation.
To pray for our nation as a whole brings us together as Christians and this unity is critical. Pray that truth would be the source for every political choice and that Christians would unite our hearts in prayer. Pray that the Truth of God’s Word would be the foundation of our nation and that hearts would turn to God as their guide. We can ask the Lord to help those who trust Him for eternal salvation to trust Him for everyday solutions, remembering Psalm 9:10 :
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

4. Let’s praise God for He knows every detail of this election and He is still in control.
As the Psalmist says in the verse above, God has not forgotten His people. His Word promises that He will not abandon us, but will be with us, no matter what party wins and what choices are made. For His steadfast love, we can praise Him for being the One worthy of our trust!