1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

DAILY READING: Acts 4:23-37; Deuteronomy 21-22; Job 14

According to researchers, the last days of each year are often considered the most fatal days of the year. In some nations like America, the Christmas period in particular often records the highest rate of death. A recent CNN report said that several studies show people have a greater chance of dying on Christmas day, the day after Christmas or New Year’s Day than on any other single day of the year. David P. Phillips, a professor in the sociology department at UC San Diego, who was the lead author on some of these studies, noticed this trend when studying U.S. death certificates between 1979 and 2004. He and his team found a spike in deaths on those three days. Other researchers have noticed this trend again and again but there’s no clear indication of the reason, although there are a number of popular theories. Some think excess consumption of alcohol and rich foods could be the culprit. Others speculate it is linked to the winter weather. However, a study in New Zealand showed that even when Christmas and New Year are celebrated in summer, a surge in deaths still occurs. Scientists can’t seem to explain this phenomenon. Obviously, what happens is that the enemy tries to turn the joy of many into sorrow at such a time. However, as believers we know that we are exempted from such evil by the blood of Jesus. Psalm 65:11 tells us that God crowns the year for us with His goodness and good things. His blessings make rich and add no sorrow with it. Indeed for us, the end of the year is a better time, because better is the end of the matter than the beginning thereof. Therefore it doesn’t matter the evil plots of the enemy, our case continues to be different. Indeed the rod of the wicked shall never rest upon the lot of the righteous. By covenant we are preserved and protected always from the evil in the world.

And what it also means is that spiritually we do not go on holiday.  If hell does not close its gates for Christmas and demons work overtime, then neither should we, as believers, rest on our oars. While we celebrate, we should still remain spiritually vigilant and prayerful.
1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
While the Christmas festivities are fun, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to get distracted from the real reason for the season. And while we celebrate Christ’s birth, we should also be concerned with the purpose for which He came to earth, which is to save lost sinners. That is the real reason for the season.
While Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, it doesn’t end there. Actually, the cradle was the first stop on the road that was to end at the old rugged cross. Ultimately, Jesus was born to die, to pay the debt of sin and save men from eternal damnation; and as believers, we must focus on this reality.
Many people in the world are lost and dying. Despite the outer camouflage of fine clothes, many are in deep despair. It doesn’t matter the level of outward success they may seem to be flaunting, it is all vanity when Jesus is not at the center.
For many of such people, Christmas is simply that time of the year for partying, frolicking, shopping, drinking, and fun seeking. And it is many of such spiritually ignorant people that the enemy targets to strike the most during the season. For this reason we must be diligent in reaching out to share the truth of the Gospel with as many people as we can. Apostle Paul said we should preach in season and out of season.
Many of us will be connecting and communicating with friends and families at this time; so while we laugh and celebrate, we should also be concerned with the destiny of their souls.
Let us, therefore, use every opportunity to point men in the right direction. And while the enemy works to increase the death rate this season, let us work with God’s help to bring most men to the saving knowledge of Christ. Certainly, the greatest gift anyone who is spiritually lost can receive in this season is the gift of salvation and new life in Christ.

At the same time, let us also remember to continually give God thanks for our own  salvation. Indeed the best gift God has given to all of humanity is sending Christ to the earth for our redemption. This is indeed something to shout about and to bless God continually for. Therefore as we celebrate, let us always be thankful for the real reason for this season.
PRAYER: Father, as I celebrate this season, please help me to stay focused on the real reason why Jesus came to the earth. Enable me to share Your love with those around me and to shine Your light for all to see in Jesus’ Name.
QUOTE:
You will never need more than God to experience the impossible in life. WORDBITE 222.