Firstborn

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation . . . All things were created through Him and for Him . . . And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead . . . having made peace through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:15-19 NKJV)

Then Joseph . . . took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. (Matthew 1:24-25 NKJV)

Today's meditation:

• Jesus. Firstborn over all creation. Firstborn from the dead. Firstborn of Mary from Nazareth. Be sure to see the broad scope of God's plan this Christmas, not just the baby in Bethlehem, but eternal God clothed in flesh, the lamb slain from the foundation of the world, who by his death and resurrection reconciles mankind to himself and gives us peace.

Pray today:

• For the people who celebrate Christmas but fail to consider its deeper meaning, for those who give and receive gifts yet neglect the greatest Gift, for the ones who yearn for relief from inner turmoil to see Jesus and accept the peace he offers.
• For the people of Emmanuel College to declare the image of the invisible God, none other than Jesus, firstborn of Mary, for us to help others see the Savior at Christmastime and all through the year.

Pray for the top three needs of Emmanuel College:

• To hear the Word of the Lord regarding life after debt and our vision for an expanded mission for 2019 and beyond.
• To enroll more than 1000 students in August 2019.
• To continue reducing our debt over the next five years with the purpose of becoming debt-free.

Pray for upcoming events and activities:.

• Spring Semester enrollment in January 2019 to exceed expectations because of better retention and larger numbers of new students, and for a total enrollment of 900 or more.
• New Beginnings Spiritual Emphasis, January 10-13, 2019.
• Scholars' Day recruiting events on campus in February 2019.
• Spring Preview recruiting event on campus, March 22-24, 2019.
• EC Serve trips for 2019 in the planning stages to Alaska, Appalachia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Myanmar, and Panama.
• For special projects to begin in 2019 to construct and remodel facilities debt-free, including improvements to Wellons Residence Hall, construction of the Collins agricultural teaching/lab building, obtaining lead gifts to expand the dining hall and improve academic facilities, and for wisdom in fundraising, planning, and implementation. 

Pray First! Pray Through!