2020 started with churches packed across America with the expectation of powerful faith-filled messages about vision. The economy was doing great; the stock market exploded with new highs. Unemployment was at an all-time low. It was the year of new elections.
I don't remember any prophecies about 2020 being a year of a killing pandemic, ruthless riots, inhumane racisms or the brutal loss of jobs and businesses. I didn't see this coming. We didn't see it coming.
Hopelessness, weariness, bondage and death all describe COVID-19. We are desperately in need of a reprieve.
Somebody shout. Thank God for Christmas!
Do I have a witness? Thank God for Christmas!
The glorious celebration of our risen victorious Savior's birthday is what we spiritually need.
Christmas, the day God openly revealed His face and heart.
Christmas, the day God the Father made it possible for every human being to discover the mystery of His character and nature.
"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14a).
Isaiah 9:6-7 reads, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with justice and with righteousness, from now until forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this."
Joy fills my spirit and my whole body when I hear the lyrics from "Oh Holy Night."
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn'.
Fall on your knees, oh, hear the angels' voices
Oh, night divine, oh, night when Christ was born
Oh, night divine, oh, night, oh night divine.
Whenever I hear, "Fall on your knees, oh, hear the angels' voices," my heart swells, and my eyes are filled with tears. Hope rises when I hear this song. My heart is filled because "joy to the world, the Lord has come!"
The spirit of Christmas is the antithesis of COVID-19. This week we celebrate hope, joy, breakthrough, growth, glory and His everlasting love.
"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices./ For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn'./ Fall on your knees."
"Oh! Come, let us adore Him."
You are beautiful; I see Jesus in you. Merry Christmas! 
Mikel French has challenged spiritual awakening all across America, where many celebrations extended into multiple weeks, and has conducted celebrations in France, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Germany, South Africa, Malawi, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. He conducted an outreach celebration in Manila, Philippines, reaching 200,000 teenagers with the Book of Hope. Through the generous support of partners, he has presented the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people in the nation of Russia through televised citywide soul-winning celebrations. Mikel considers it an honor to assist in conducting the annual pastor's conference, where thousands of pastors from Russia's 11 time zones come for training, teaching and equipping. Mikel and his wife, Marsha, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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