12 Days of Christmas: Day #5 Jesus is POWERFUL

Power. This isn’t something we often attribute to a tiny newborn babe–one we often consider to be powerless. But, the babe in the manger we celebrate at Christmas was no ordinary baby. When Jesus came wrapped in human flesh, He came as one with power and authority. He came fully armed and equipped to conquer His enemies, save His people, and complete His mission.

This One who came to dwell with us would have said of Him, “He who comes from above is above all” (John 3:31). Jesus rules and reigns over all authorities and powers–spiritual and political. Scripture tells us that He “is the head of all authority” (Col 2:10) and “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Him]” (Matthew 28:18). Everything (and everyone) is ultimately subject to His power and authority, regardless of their response to it.

Colossians 1:17 says, of Jesus, that He “is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.” His power and authority actively hold all things together. So, even when it seems things are falling apart around us, we can trust that He is actively, powerfully, working to hold things together.

Are you facing any chaos or trouble in your households, your relationships, or your governments today? Do you believe He has the power to hold all things together? 

 Do you believe He has the power to bring change? Do you believe He has the power to change circumstances, hearts, and lives in victorious grace? 

Jesus reminded His disciples of this very truth when He told them (in John 16:33), “In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” Jesus’ authority and power overcomes our greatest trials and tribulations–all of them. He is fully armed and equipped to overcome the world, in its broken, frail, and often evil, state, and to make it new once more, all for His glory. 

Because of this, we needn’t succumb to fear when we are facing seemingly insurmountable circumstances and trials. Instead, we can have hope, by faith, in our powerful Jesus’ promise that He has already overcome the world. We can have hope that these light and momentary troubles are bringing about a greater glory (2 Cor 4:17-18).  

(That’s a powerful Jesus who can make our troubles and struggles, regardless of their size, seem light and momentary in the light of His power, His glory, and His grace. Amen?)

How does Jesus’ power affect your today? 

How does it impact your adoration and worship of Him? How does it give you hope? How does it increase your joy?

 How does Jesus’ power affect how you will live for Him in this Christmas and Epiphany season and beyond?  

Take a moment to pause in prayer. Thank God for the amazing reality of grace that Jesus is powerful–that He is, in fact, all-powerful…that He rules and reigns over all and that He holds all things together. Thank Him for the way that truth can give you comfort and rest, even in times of pain and unrest. Confess to Him any ways you have tried to rely on your own strength and power or resigned yourself to doubt and despair. Confess to Him any ways you struggle to rest in His power and authority. Ask for forgiveness for ignoring or doubting His power. Ask for His help to trust in His power and His ways. Ask Him for eyes to see His power at work in the people and the world around you, even when chaos seems to prevail, as you rely on His power each and every day.