God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him,~Acts 10:38.

Merry Christmas to you and your families! I hope and pray it’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and thanksgiving. For those who are sorrowful, stressed, sick, or hurting this season-my prayers and love are with you. I hope this post brings hope and comfort to your heart.

The verse above is from the book of Acts. It talks about the ministry of Jesus. It’s easy to adore a child in a manger. It’s custom to thank a Savior who died on a cross for our sins. We can’t, however, stop and fail to miss the reason why He came. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came so we could have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).

Let’s look at a few more verses about Jesus.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs,~Hebrews 1:1-4.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor,~Isaiah 61:1-3.

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross,~Col 2:15.

Jesus came not only to save us from eternal separation from God; He came to do what’s listed above…

Destroy the works of the devil
Heal the sick
Open blind eyes (spiritual and natural)
Preach the Gospel
Bind up the broken hearted
Free the captives (those oppressed by the evil one)
Comfort those who mourn
Bestow beauty for ashes
Give joy for mourning
Clothe people in garments of righteousness and praise
Proclaim the words of the Father
Hold all things together by His powerful word
Show the world the Father
Care for the poor
Provide abundant life for those who believe
Defeat death and provide eternal life for those who believe!

We do not serve a weak, pitiful, or powerless God! He did not remain a babe in a manger. He did not remain on a cross. He rose with all power in His hands, and He reigns eternal. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May we give thanks for Jesus this Christmas and every day! He’s worthy.

Whatever you need, God can provide it. Praying for you and your families. God bless you!

Love in Christ,

Erin