An {Atypical} Christmas Wish for You

I don't know how often I'll be posting over the next week or two.  I'll have the urge to, but I might just go on and fight that urge, allowing myself to relax into the Spirit of the season.  But before I sign off for a little while I wanted to share something with you.

It's not Christmas-y in the sense that we're used to, but it's focus clearly along the right lines.  At a time when our eyes are drawn to that precious Babe in the manger, let's look ahead at the same time.  Let's allow our vision to expand and take in the whole picture of God's plan- His plan for His Son, this world, and for us in the midst of it all.

A new (and already dear) friend of mine shared this prayer with me in a group setting not too long ago.  It is a prayer that was written by a missionary, found only after he was martyred.  You can read more about his story and how my friend, Kim, came to learn of it here.  

My Christmas wish/prayer for you is that you can make parts of this prayer your own, releasing the pulls and pressures of this world to align yourself with the One who was and is and is to come.  I will warn you-  this prayer holds power.  I feel it every time I read it- I get the chills and tears well up in my eyes.  Also, I beseech you to read it out loud (if you're not in a public place- hey- maybe even if you are).  There is such power in the spoken word.  


Merry Christmas, friends.

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. 
I have the Holy Spirit power. 
The die has been cast. 
I have stepped over the line. 
The decision has been made—I’m a disciple of his. 
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. 
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. 
I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. 
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. 
I now live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. 
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. 
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. 
I am a disciple of Jesus. 
I must keep going until he comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until he stops me. 
And, when he comes for his own, he will have no problem recognizing me. 
My banner will be clear.