“For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.” Ephesians 6:12

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.  Jack Frost nipping at your nose.  Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’?  In the lane, snow is glistening. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be much mistletoe-ing and hearts will be glowing - when loved ones are near. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

So much of what makes Christmas Christmas has to do with the atmosphere of Christmas - warmth, smells, sounds, sights. There are even Christmas colors. Drop in neon orange and it won’t feel much like Christmas. One of the reasons people react negatively to retailers rushing us into the Christmas season is because it doesn’t feel like Christmas in October.

Christmas is now just a few days away. If you haven’t already, give some attention to the spiritual atmosphere and climate in your life and home. You are aware, aren’t you, that there is far more around you than one can see with their natural eyes. Many would be frightened if God were to grant spiritual eyes to see the reality of the warring spiritual world all around them. But we have authority as Christians to affect the spiritual realm.

When you have tension and conflict in your home, unsaved relatives over for a visit, darkness blasting in through the TV, kids interacting with “make-believe” evil video game creatures… the atmosphere in the spiritual realm all around you is a battleground. Imagine the spiritual warfare that took place that very first Christmas. Is it really any different today as Jesus still seeks to come (advent) into homes and hearts. There are churches (Christian Churches!) where he is not welcome today. Is he welcome in your home? Let me encouarge you to not focus so much on the physical preparations that make your home more Christmasy and instead focus on the spiritual preparations necessary to see Christ come into your home as Prince of Peace.

Pray through each room in your home. Jesus taught us to pray that it will be on earth as it is in heaven. Ask God to send angels to your home to bring the atmosphere of heaven into your home - love, joy, peace, God’s presence, etc. Take spiritual authority in your home and command darkness to leave. Cultivate this atmosphere around you these next few days and invite the presence of God to come tangibly. People ought to spiritually benefit from a visit to your home this Christmas.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you that I am seated with Christ in heavenly places. Thank you for delegating authority to me over the powers of darkness that have had free reign in my home. I pray the blood of Jesus over my life and over each window, doorway and portal of access into my home (TV, computer, phone, books, etc.). I ask you to send angels to me today. This Christmas, my prayer is that people will notice you when they come into my home.

Posted by PastorSteve on December 21st, 2007 at 6:00 am
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