Living in the city certainly has its dangers. These serve as daily reminders for city-dwellers that evil is loose in society.

But, guess what that means? It means that people in cities do not need to be convinced of their need for a Savior! They are already eager for a hope that proves real. They are already longing for a better life. And they already feel the need for divine protection. The cries of the people in your city have only one answer – Jesus Christ!

Praise God that He sends us into cities to seek the lost and point them to Jesus! Because, through the power of our Savior’s death and resurrection, lives are changed.

In the Bible, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Life-change is possible through Jesus. This is the message that God is asking YOU to share with the hurting people in your city.

Will you step outside of your comfort zone today? Will you dare to offer someone the hope and peace found only in Jesus Christ? Take the Good News of Jesus Christ to your community. Do it today.

When the United States appointed General Peter Pace as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he accepted his position on national television and told a story. He said, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for a fellow marine during the Vietnam War.”

Peter Pace continued: “I remember one day when we were in a foxhole. One of my men walked in front of me. At that moment, a bullet hit him and he died right in front of me.”

Pace added, “That bullet was coming straight here,” and he pointed at his head. Even though Peter Pace is a tough military man, he had tears in his eyes as he said, “He died in my place.”

You don’t have to have fought in the military to know that feeling. If you confess Jesus as your Savior, you know what it is to have someone die in your place – because that’s exactly what Jesus did on the cross 2000 years ago! Isaiah in the Bible says, “He was pierced for our transgressions.” Jesus took the bullet that we deserved. Through His death, He gave us forgiveness and eternal life!

Share this Good News with someone today. Make it easy for them to understand. Tell someone simply: “Jesus took YOUR bullet so that you can enjoy life forever with Him beginning today and then lead them to the feet of Jesus!”

If you’ve had the joy of leading someone to faith in Jesus Christ, you know it’s one of the most thrilling experiences on earth! Knowing that another soul has entered into the Kingdom of God gives you an excitement that is beyond words! And you can begin encouraging this new believer in their faith. Now, as you begin the discipleship process, it’s so important to practice patience. Often we want to see someone’s bad habits changed overnight. We get discouraged when a new believer isn’t as spiritually mature as we think they should be. But even though it’s important to encourage a new child of God to grow, it’s also important to practice patience. The reality is that it takes each of us time to mature in the Lord. I accepted the Lord as my Savior as a 12 year old boy. And even though it was a very real commitment, I didn’t really begin living the Christian life in its fullness until I was 17. You see, it’s God’s Holy Spirit that brings the growth, not you or me. In First Corinthians 3:6 Paul says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” So yes, keep encouraging and praying for your friend. But also, let them learn, and grow, in God’s perfect timing.

Light symbolizes Christmas. We hang Christmas stars and we have trees that are lit up. It’s a good symbol because there was light when the angels came and said, “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Light speaks of life. Light speaks of God. Light speaks of freedom. Light speaks of a clear conscience. And light speaks of forgiveness of sins. The Bible says that “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.”

God is light. If you know Him today, then you never need to be in darkness. If you do not know Him, will you surrender to Him today? He wants to come into your life. He wants to forgive you. He wants to call you His child. This Christmas will you give your heart to Jesus Christ? Will you do it today? Right now?

Pray with me, “Lord Jesus Christ. I surrender my life to you. I believe in my heart you are the son of God. I know you died on the cross to get rid of all my sins. I believe you’re alive. So I open my heart to you. With your power, I will serve you and follow you. I am yours forever because Christ lives in me. Amen.”