HAIL HIM, THE BORN KING OF GLORY  – DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Texts: Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2 

INTRODUCTION

The celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth is a central event in the Christian faith, filled with awe, reverence, and joy. It marks the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior to redeem humanity. The birth of Jesus, foretold by prophets and heralded by angels, is not merely a historical event but a divine intervention that transformed the destiny of mankind. Through the lens of Scripture, particularly Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2, we reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth as the King of Glory.

  1. The Prophecy of the King (Isaiah 9:6)

Isaiah 9:6 proclaims: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” 

This prophecy, written centuries before Christ’s birth, foretells the coming of a divine Ruler who would embody wisdom, power, and peace.

The birth of Jesus fulfilled this promise, revealing God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Unlike earthly kings, His kingdom is not of this world but eternal, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. The child born in Bethlehem was not just a baby in a manger but the King of kings, destined to reign with justice and mercy.

  1. The Announcement to the Shepherds (Luke 2)

In Luke 2, we witness the angelic announcement to shepherds in the fields: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

This moment signifies the inclusivity of Christ’s Kingdom. Shepherds, considered lowly in society, were among the first to hear the good news, emphasizing that Jesus’ glory is for all people, regardless of status.

The heavenly host’s declaration, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14), underscores the dual nature of Christ’s mission: to glorify God and bring peace to humanity. The shepherds’ response of worship and proclamation serves as a model for how we, too, should celebrate the King of Glory—with adoration and by sharing His good news.

  1. The Celebration of His Kingship

The birth of Jesus invites us to celebrate His kingship in three ways:

Through Worship: Just as the shepherds and wise men worshipped Him, we are called to bow before Him in reverence, acknowledging Him as our Savior and Lord.

Through Witnessing: The shepherds did not keep the good news to themselves; they shared it with others. Celebrating Christ’s birth includes proclaiming His love and salvation to the world.

Through Living in His Peace: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings reconciliation between God and humanity. Celebrating His birth means embracing His peace in our hearts and extending it to others.

CONCLUSION 

As we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, we echo the heavenly chorus:

“Hail Him, born King of Glory!”

The child born in Bethlehem is the fulfillment of prophecy, the Savior of the world, and the King who reigns in glory. His birth calls us to worship, witness, and live in the peace He brings.

This Christmas season, let us celebrate with hearts full of gratitude and voices lifted in praise, for unto us a Savior is born, and His name is Jesus.

Call to Action 

Finally, embrace the peace that Christ brings to the world by accepting Him as your Lord and Savior.

It’s Time to Pray 

  1. Thank God for His love towards you.
  2. Ask Him for His lasting peace in your life.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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BE THANKFUL – November 2024 Newsletter

Scripture References:  1 Thessalonians 5:18  and Psalm 100:4 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) 

INTRODUCTION

In this world filled with pressures, it’s easy to forget the power of a thankful heart. Gratitude has the ability to change our perspective, lift our spirits, and draw us closer to God. Being thankful isn’t just a nice thought or a seasonal theme; it’s an essential part of Christian living and spiritual growth. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to live with a heart of gratitude by looking at three key aspects: recognizing God’s goodness, finding gratitude in adversity, and expressing your thanks through action.

  1. Recognize God’s Goodness

Thankfulness begins with recognizing God’s blessings. When we take the time to consider the many ways God has blessed us—big and small—it leads us to a deep appreciation of His goodness and care. Psalm 103:2 reminds us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” God is continuously at work in our lives. Even in the simplest things, like a new day, a friend’s smile, or provision for our needs, we see His love.

Imagine a father giving his child a beautiful gift. The child’s reaction is often one of pure joy and gratitude, acknowledging the thought and effort behind the gift. Similarly, every day is a gift from our Heavenly Father. By recognizing the goodness around us, we tune our hearts to His love, inspiring us to respond with thanksgiving.

  1. Find Gratitude in Adversity

It’s easy to be thankful when life is smooth, but true gratitude shines in the face of challenges. The apostle Paul, who faced persecution and hardships, reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” God doesn’t ask us to give thanks for everything that happens but to maintain a heart of gratitude regardless of the situation.

Consider Job’s example: despite losing everything, he held onto his faith in God. He said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Job’s thankfulness wasn’t rooted in his circumstances but in God’s sovereignty. Similarly, when we face difficulties, gratitude strengthens us, helping us focus on God’s presence and the blessings that remain.

  1. Express Thanks Through Action

Being thankful should extend beyond words—it should influence our actions and relationships. James 2:17 tells us that faith without action is dead, and the same can be said for gratitude. A truly thankful heart leads us to share our blessings, serve others, and spread kindness.

Suppose someone receives an unexpected financial gift that meets a pressing need. A thankful response might lead them to bless others when they’re able, paying forward the generosity they received. This is how thankfulness becomes contagious, bringing joy not only to our hearts but to the lives of those around us. Our gratitude to God is best shown when we serve others and live with a spirit of generosity.

Conclusion 

To live a life of thankfulness is to recognize God’s goodness, find gratitude even in adversity, and let your thankfulness overflow into action. When you cultivate a habit of gratitude, you fulfill God’s will for you and reflect His character.

Remember, gratitude doesn’t depend on life’s circumstances—it’s a constant response to God’s unchanging love. Let’s embrace a thankful heart today and every day, choosing to see His blessings and sharing them with the world.

Finally, to be sincerely thankful, you need to have the mind of Christ. If Jesus Christ dwells in your life, He will be the source of your strength and hope.

Let’s Pray 

Read Psalm 100:1–5, then position yourself to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to express your gratitude to God.

John Aderogba for ROPMI 

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BE GRATEFUL – October 2024 Newsletter

Text: Psalm 107:1 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (NIV) 

Introduction

Gratitude is a powerful and transformative attitude that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It helps us recognize God’s blessings, both big and small, and deepens our relationship with Him. The Bible consistently encourages us to live with a heart of gratitude, as this reflects our understanding of God’s sovereignty and goodness. We shall explore three key points on why and how we should be grateful according to the Scriptures.

  1. Gratitude Acknowledges God’s Provision

The Bible teaches that everything we have is a gift from God. In James 1:17, it says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” When you practice gratitude, you acknowledge that God is the ultimate provider. Even in difficult seasons, we can find reasons to be thankful because God’s provision is not limited to material things. He provides us with grace, mercy, peace, and strength for each day.

Take a moment to reflect on your life and recognize God’s hand at work. From the air you breathe to the food you eat and the people in your life, every blessing points us to God’s faithfulness. Gratitude opens your eyes to see His provision more clearly, leading us to trust Him even more.

  1. Gratitude Brings Peace

Gratitude is closely linked to peace. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we approach God with gratitude, even in challenging circumstances, His peace surrounds us.

Anxiety often comes from focusing on what we lack or the uncertainties of life. However, when we shift our mindset to gratitude, we acknowledge God’s control and His past faithfulness. This practice of thankfulness invites peace into our hearts, knowing that God will continue to sustain and guide us. It transforms our prayers from pleas of desperation into conversations of trust and assurance.

  1. Gratitude is God’s Will for Us

Being grateful is not just a good habit but a command from God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul exhorts, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude is not dependent on our circumstances; it is a posture of the heart that we are called to maintain. Whether we are experiencing abundance or facing trials, God’s will is for us to give thanks.

This command to give thanks in all circumstances does not mean we deny our pain or hardships. Rather, it is about recognizing that God is with us through every situation, working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). When we obey this command, our hearts grow in faith, and we can see God’s hand at work, even in difficult times.

Conclusion

Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God and aligns our hearts with His will. It acknowledges His provision, invites peace into our lives, and helps us fulfill His command to give thanks in all circumstances. As we cultivate a spirit of gratitude, we become more aware of God’s blessings, both seen and unseen, and we grow in our trust in His goodness.

In every season of life, let us remember the words of Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” By living with a heart of gratitude, we reflect our faith in a loving and faithful God who continually blesses and sustains us.

Finally, for you to be grateful, you must have the mind of Christ, and this can only be done by giving your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Let’s Pray

Read through Psalm 107 and sing songs of praise and gratitude to God.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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