This Christmas season has been eclipsed by Star Wars episode VII. People everywhere are uniting together to be sure to keep all spoilers from leaking online. I must say it’s super impressive how tight-lipped and suddenly respectful the general public is behaving on this issue everyone takes very seriously.
I purchased my husband the blue ray episodes IV-VI for Christmas and now we are sitting watching them as a family for the first time all together. I can quote this movie forwards and backwards in my sleep. What makes me get all choked up watching the beginning of episode IV is Luke’s ignorance of his heritage. He is wandering around feeling useless and itching to find his purpose when he meets Obi Wan Kenobi. So many today have that same yearning for more meaning.
Now, while the idea of the force is made up and imaginary and pales in comparison to the power of God and his personal intimacy with those who follow him, I am using this example for a reason. The next generation does not know it’s calling, purpose or role in the kingdom of God.
We have truly been blessed in Christ Jesus with power, freedom, a heritage and a hope. Do you know the power of God that he wants to unleash in your life to bring about his kingdom? Are you feeling disillusioned? Is the world sapping your faith?
Our children have a flat two-dimensional religion that is just tradition devoid of power. Our children see divorce destroying their world, they see hypocritical faith that puts the world ahead of Christ 6 days a week. Paul said in the end times people will have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.
Christ’s birth was the beginning of hope and freedom from the vice grip of sin and it’s destructive power. We are to pass into our children the transforming work of Jesus.
“My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their ancestors— a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.”
Psalm 78:1-8 NIV
Christmas is a wonderful time to teach our children of The Lord and to focus their hearts and minds on him instead of on commercial things such as getting lots of expensive gifts. Instead of traditions dependent on finances, establish ones based on a relationship with Jesus.
My prayer challenge for the end of our 12 day prayer is to continue praying, but pray with your children everyday. Continue to meet with other believers. Pass on the torch and maybe light your own, if it has gone out.
Prayer for passing the torch:
Father, in Jesus name, I worship you today, on Christmas Day. I thank you for Jesus and for your power and forgiveness in him.
God, I want to declare your works to the next generation. I want to speak of your mighty acts to my children and for them to know our testimony of salvation.
Forgive me for any wrong assumptions I have made about my role in my children or others knowing you. Forgive me for not taking a more active role in the next generation and preserving the truth of God’s Word. Teach me daily how to pass the torch into them.
Lord God, show your mighty works in our time and our day. Reveal yourself to those in my life who do not know you or need to know you on a personal level.
Your name is great. Please let the glory of your name be lifted up across the earth this Christmas season and beyond.
Give me a prayer partner to pray with in the coming year and raise up prayer warriors around the globe to fight for your kingdom and to stand in the gap for this hurting world.
Show me each step you want me to take this year. Teach me to listen to your voice and immerse myself in your Word.
Thank you for these 12 days of Christmas Prayet. May your kingdom come your will be done in my life as it is in heaven.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Revealed Ministries 