My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.  (1 John 2:1-2)
 
Here is a title for Jesus that you might see on a Christmas card – a card sent by a lawyer!  Jesus is my Advocate.  When I stand accused of sin in heaven’s courtroom – and rightly so: this is no trumped-up charge! – Jesus is my defense attorney, proclaiming to the Father that my guilt has been removed.  He himself took the punishment for my sin.

The word advocate is a synonym for lawyer, but it also means champion.  I am a champion – a CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocate – for one child in foster care.  Part of my job is to be alert for needs the child has that are not being met and advocate for action.  Jesus is my Advocate in this sense also.  He knows what I need and what is best for me – even better than I know myself – and works to achieve it in my life. Praise and thank Jesus, your Advocate, this week.
 
Here are some suggested prayer topics for this week:
 
1.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  (Luke 2:19)  Ask the Lord to give you time to ponder Christ’s birth this Christmas season.  He won’t add an hour to your 24-hour day.  More likely, He will direct you to leave something undone or skip a holiday activity to make time.
 
2.  Here is a prayer request from Deni and Allan Martin:  “Allan was laid off from his long time place of employment, Raytheon. We are thankful for the 6-month severance package with full benefits. We are more thankful for our Lord, Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. We are excited about how our family has the opportunity to grow closer to Him and each other through this challenge. Please pray that we hear our Lord's voice as decisions are made and as Allan seeks future employment.”
 
3.  Tammy Leatherby, chair of the Missions Council, is in the process of interviewing candidates for the Kenya GO team.  Pray that the Lord will give her discernment as she seeks to discover whether this is the right project for the applicants, if this is the right time in their lives, and if their motivations are right.  Ask Him to use Tammy to assemble the team He wants to use in Kenya next summer.
 
4.  Lift up those who will navigate difficult family situations over the holidays.  They may face disappointed expectations, conflict, or painful emotions.  Ask the Lord to guide them through it all and keep their eyes fixed on Him.
 
5.  Pray for our college students as they take their final exams and finish projects.
 
6.  Have you missed opportunities to speak up for God or to show kindness to someone, recognizing the opening only after it had passed by?  That has happened to me several times lately.  I invite you to try what I have started doing:  Start each day by asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to opportunities in the moment, before it is too late to act.
 
7.  I came home from the Calvary Christmas party last night thanking God for laughter, for music, and for creative, talented people who are willing to share their gifts with others.  Join me!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea