Saturday, December 23, 2006

Merry Christmas - Friday, December 22, 2006

For unto us a Child is born . . . And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)


Dear Friends, 2,000 years ago, the shepherds were "standing watch" at night, when they sighted the Star in the East that heralded the Birth of our Lord.

This year, we have felt an urgency to continue to "stand watch" with you throughout this past week, in light of the intensity of this hour. We thank all of you for standing watch with us, during your busy holiday schedules, standing in agreement with the promises of the Word of God for our people and for Israel.

Please be looking for our own Christmas greeting to you later today, but in the meantime, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us here at Capitol Hill Prayer Partners!

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." (Luke 2:13-18 NIV)

Dear Prayer Partners,

As we approach the end of this year, we want to thank you, again, for your faithfulness in prayer for our nation. Some of you have been with us since our beginnings in 1994; many others have joined in since. But ALL of you have been true to the watch, and have been a great blessing and encouragement to those of us who are standing on the front lines here in Washington, D.C.

Once again this year, our Christmas gift to you is the message enclosed, "One Solitary Life." Here in our nation's capital, where so many work so hard every day of the year to compete for power, prestige, and position, this little poem reminds us of the One who truly has all power in His Hands . . . the One who was born in a tiny manger, in a city called Bethlehem, over 2000 years ago.

Our prayer for you this Christmas is that you, too, would come to know the Power greater than ourselves -- our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- whose shed Blood cleanses us, delivers us, and sets us free from all sin. May He bless and keep each of you, now and always. Amen!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Sara C.Ballenger, Founder and President

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners