“To live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21). “I want to know Christ.” (Phil. 3:10). “To him (Jesus) who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” (Rev. 1:6).
Lord Jesus, these words from your Word sum up our thoughts about the waning hours of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. The older we get, the more we realize only a few things really matter. You are at the top of that list, Jesus—who you are, and everything you are for us.
Us In Christ: Our Righteousness, Holiness, and Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30) – Jesus, what we could never do, you did for us by your obedience, cross, and resurrection. We aren’t saved to the degree we are like you, but in you; and (hallelujah) that is 100%.
Christ In Us: Our Hope of Glory – If 2023 is the year we come Home, angels will rejoice; but what matters most to us is knowing our Father, you, and the Spirit will welcome us.
Christ Above Us: Our Sanity and Freedom – Jesus, you are already King of kings, and Lord of lords—sovereign over everything and everyone, in every place all the time. Make this SO real to us in 2023.
Christ For Us: Our Peace – Jesus, with you “for us,” who or what can be against us? Fears and self-pity, be gone.
Christ With Us: Our Greatest Intimacy and Joy (Ps. 73:25-26) – Between your resurrection and return, life will remain “challenging”; but we will never experience a Jesus-absent day, sorrow, or pain.
Christ Under Us: Our Safety – When (not if) we fall, you catch us, hold us, and re-center us. Thank you.
Christ Towards Us: Our Future and “Yippee!’ – Jesus, you aren’t “merely” returning one Day to finish making all things new. You’re coming back as our joyful, loving Bridegroom.
Jesus, no matter what else happens in 2023, may you become more beautiful, irresistible, and enthralling to us. So VERY Amen.