Prayer and Promises

The promise 

Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! 

— Luke 2:13,14, HCSB 

the testimony 

All heaven was moved on the occasion of the Saviour’s birth. The triumphant song which the shepherds heard was only an echo of the praise resounding round the throne on high. The whole angelic host rejoiced and sung praises because salvation was presented as a free gift to fallen man. 

O, what reason have we to praise God that this wonderful revelation from heaven was made to humble men! 

What matchless love Jesus has manifested for a fallen world! If angels sung because the Saviour was born in Bethlehem, shall not our hearts echo the glad strain, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men? Although we do not know the exact day of Christ’s birth, we would honor the sacred event. May the Lord forbid that any one should be so narrow-minded as to over-look the event because there is an uncertainty in regard to the exact time. Let us do what we can to fasten the minds of the children upon those things which are precious to every one who loves Jesus. Let us teach them how Jesus came into the world to bring hope, comfort, peace, and happiness to all. 

As you celebrate the coming Christmas, will you not count up the many things for which you are to be grateful, and will you not present a gratitude offering to Christ, and so reveal that you do appreciate the heavenly Gift? 

You may ask, “What gifts can we bring to Jesus?” You can give him your hearts. What offering is so sacred as the soul temple cleansed from its defilement of sin?... Will you clear away the rubbish, and throw open the door, and willingly, gladly welcome in your heavenly guest? I shall not need to plead with you to bring you thank-offerings to God if you will but let the Saviour in. You will be so grateful, that you cannot be restrained from laying your gifts at the feet of Jesus.

Let the hearts of all respond with exceeding joy for the priceless gift of the Son of God. 

— The Review and Herald, December 17, 1889 

the response 

I praise You, O Lord, for the priceless Gift of Your dear Son, my Savior. I give You the gift of my heart, cleanse my soul from all defilement of sin. I clear away the rubbish from my heart so I can throw open the door and welcome You as my Heavenly Guest! Thank You for the peace and happiness that You offer to all.