Count your Blessing

Count Your Blessings
By Patricia Ang

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Although millions of people celebrate the birth of the Lord, few seem to be aware of its real significance. What does Christmas mean to you? The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because he was crucified and then rose to the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe. (John 1:12)

The birth of Christ showed us how much God love the world that Jesus came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21) and give us eternal life (John 3:14-17)

Jesus came in the form of a human being, a baby born in the manger in Bethlehem. He grew into manhood, led a perfect life and willingly died for your sins and mine.

Have we taken the Lord for granted all this while? Have we been spiritually blind? Have we been cold and unforgiving to the people around us? Do we count our blessings and give thanks to the Lord daily?

For the family you have given us, thank you Lord. For our parents who brought us up and provided us a home and education. They stood by us through their love and dedication. There are times when we fail to meet up to their expectations or when there are misunderstandings, forgive us lord for those insensitive words and actions. Yes, at times, when words are uttered, the damage is already done. Yet blood is thicker than water, let there be peace and harmony in the family.

For the friendship and kinship that you have given us, they have been a pillar of strength and joy. Lord, thank you for the people we meet at the respective stages in our lives. They are there to guide us, to teach us, to support us and to encourage us. Help us to remember, it takes 2 people to maintain a friendship/relationship. Allow us to take time to cultivate such friendship of like-minded people and grow together.

For the opportunities that you have given us, thank you Lord for your guidance. As children, we thank you for providing us with an education and for the teachers that we meet who make an impact in our lives. For the friends that we meet and friendships that are forged along the way. As adults, we thank you for the jobs that we have to support the family and the opportunity to grow in our careers.

Thank you Lord for the gifts you have given us to serve you to you in your glory. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God works all of them in men.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

As we come together to serve you in our respective ministries, allow us to discern your plan. Protect us from distraction and renew us daily with your love and grace to serve you. For those who are trying to figure out what are their gifts, show them Lord by your grace. For those who know and are serving you, allow them to be grow and serve you diligently and humbly. Allow us to speak the good news to the people around us.

For all the things that we have taken for granted, forgive us Lord. Open our hearts to receiving you in our lives. Open our ears to hearing you and discern your plan. Open our eyes to seeing you and the fruits of your love. Open our mouth to proclaim the good news and to reflect on how you have touched us in our daily living.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

As we celebrate Christmas, may we be filled with wonder at His love and His coming.