Our Purpose
Matthew 1:23, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Christmas is not the story of a helpless baby; it is the story of a loving God who chose to dwell among us.
Jesus was born approximately 2000 years ago. The people of Israel knew that God had promised to send the Messiah. Therefore, they were longing for the appearance of the Messiah, a certain kind of Messiah which they had created in their own minds.
They were looking for a Messiah who would create a strong military and a political leader to again make Israel a powerful and respected nation. They were looking for the Messiah who would help them accomplish their personal and selfish goals.
They were looking for a scintillating power, yet the birth of Jesus occurred in a lowly manger; and, the Messiah was “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Luke 2:7, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Jesus did not come to help the Israelites save their nation. Instead, He sent a baby to a lowly couple in the small village of Bethlehem. God was interested in saving individual souls.
Here at OJPM, we are helping our Chaplains and volunteers so they can continue to serve God. While we know that we are to pray for our nation and its leaders (I Timothy 2:1-2), we also know that the answers are not found in a strong and powerful nation. Increased political power has never been the answer. The best hope we have for this nation is to spread the Gospel. We need to be empowered by Emmanuel, God is with us. Telling people about Jesus is the heart of our Christian faith.
During this fun and festive season, many of us are joyfully able to celebrate the holidays by spending time with family. After all, through Jesus Christ, God has adopted us into His family (Ephesians 1:5). God gave us the Greatest Gift when He gave us Jesus. Luke 2:11, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. During this Christmas season, enjoy the blessings of decorating, shopping, baking and giving gifts. Also enjoy the blessings of prayer and the blessing in continuing to share the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please be reminded to pray for those behind bars. These are some of the most difficult times for the incarcerated population. Not being able to spend time with family and friends during the holidays creates a whole other level of suffering. There are also some who have been unfairly incarcerated for the faith. Some of God’s finest servants who have been wrongfully incarcerated need our prayers especially during the Christmas season. Acts 6:4, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
The gift of prayer may be the most important gift you give during this season.
