On a Tree

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree" - so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14 ESV)

Today's meditation:

• Ornaments and lights on dead or artificial trees are beautiful. Each Christmas tree should remind us of the beautiful lives, once dead, now born again because of Jesus' red blood that stained a dead tree. Red reminds us of his blood. Green - the new life that it nourishes. Silver and gold - the royalty and glory of the King of Kings and the inheritance of his sons and daughters. And each tree points heavenward, reminding us that Jesus is coming again - for us.

Pray today:

• For constant reminders this Christmas season of what Jesus did for us on the cross, for the people of Emmanuel College to be emissaries of love and redemption with each "Merry Christmas" we utter, with each "oooh" and "aaah" we exclaim over lights and ornaments, and with each expression of joy and hope we offer.

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 2018 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, larger numbers of new students, and 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, constructing the Collins agricultural teaching/lab building, securing lead gifts to expand the dining hall and improve academic facilities, and for wisdom in fundraising, planning and implementation. 

Pray First! Pray Through!