Jesus, Our Friend

Jack Zavada

"A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have." -Dwight L. Moody

When Jesus came into the world in human form, he changed our relationship with God forever. He made it possible for us to become adopted sons and daughters in God's family, co-heirs with him to the gift of eternal life with the Father.

But he gave us another Christmas gift few of us ever open: his friendship. He experienced firsthand the loneliness of being human, and he saw that as much as we need a savior, we also need a friend.

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)

What better friend could you have? Jesus is steadfastly loyal. He forgives your every fault. He supports and encourages you when you need it most, and he listens whenever you want to talk. He is a tireless listener. Jesus loves you as a friend who wants to see you grow to your full potential. There is no jealousy in him. He wants only the best for you.

Enter more deeply into friendship with Jesus this Christmas season. You can trust him. If you reach out and accept the friendship he offers, your life will never be the same.

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Christ In You

Bishop E. Earl Jenkins

"Christ in you, the Hope of Glory." Colossians 1:27 NIV

The Virgin Birth is more than just another Christmas story; it illustrates just how close God wants to get to you. In fact, He's asking you the same question He asked Mary, "Are you willing to let Me move in?" Throughout scripture it's always been His desire to get close to His people. Jesus told the disciples, "I am in you" (Jn 14:20 NCV).

Paul prayed, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts" (Eph. 3:17 NIV). John says, "Those who obey...live in him, and he in them" (1 Jn 3:24 NIV). Paul wrote, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27 NIV), then he added: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20 NAS). And Jesus said, "If anyone...opens the door, I will come in" (Rev. 3:20 NIV).

In the Old Testament God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden...He was with Abraham, and even called him His friend...He was with Moses and the Israelites. But as a believer He's in you - and He'll keep growing in you until He comes out in what you say, how you act and the decisions you make. Do you struggle with bitterness, worry, habits and fear?

Not Jesus! And because He lives in you, you have access 24/7 to His unlimited power! That's why Paul writes about "striving according to His power, which mightily works within [us]" (Col 1:29 NAS). What's in you? "His power!" What more do you need? Remember when the Lord appeared to Mary and she said, "Let it be...according to your word." (Lk 1:38 NKJV)

Make that your prayer this Christmas!