Right now, in December of 2021, there are around 7.9 billion people in the world. There have never been more people on planet earth and in the last 200 years that number has grown from around one billion to almost 8 billion. It is astonishing to consider the vastness of our world and it can be hard to even fathom a number like 8 billion. Each one of those numbers is a person with hopes, fears, and dreams, and each person is not outside God’s view. He is not only aware of them, but He loves them and knows them intricately.
This Christmas season, as we are reminded of the kind of love that God has for us, let’s extend that same model of love to those who are near to us and far away. God came to us in a time of darkness as a light to the world. He approached humanity as a child and opened his arrival party to shepherds and common people. Jesus’ entrance into the world was a picture of his life, ministry, and mission. He was good news incarnate; a light has come.
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
Are you bringing light to dark places? Are you welcoming those who others may cast out or push away? Do you have a heart for people you may never know by name or see? This Christmas, let’s be a light in the darkness to the nations of the world and consider the love that God has for people all over the world.
A prayer for the nations
God, we worship You for Your great love for all people. There are billions of people on this earth and You love every single one of them. You know the number of hairs on their head, and You have a plan for their life.
Give us awareness for the nations this Christmas season; let our hearts and minds be expanded to what You are doing all over the world as the gospel is shared by the lives that we live each and every day.
Help us to be a people who plant peace, even in times of turmoil. Give us eyes to see the pain of others and the strength to be Your hands and feet in coming days.
Specific areas for prayer and reflection
- Pray for people who are experiencing persecution around the world
- Pray for people who are experiencing poverty and hunger
- Pray for people who are struggling to find hope this Christmas season
- Pray for children who need home and families
- Pray for people you will never meet but need to experience the love of God
- Pray for our Global partners in the Ivory Coast, South Africa, Tanzania, Pakistan, and the Middle East.