2025 December Prayer Corps

Without doubt, these verses contain the most significant, life-altering and destiny-shaping announcement that humanity has ever heard! But also, within this news of “good tidings” comes the revelation of a common human condition.

Notice that the angel appearing to the shepherds that glorious night begins with the words, “do not be afraid.” Of course, it is completely understandable that these men of old would be startled and afraid when a heavenly being suddenly reveals itself and starts speaking to them!

The same would likely be true of us. Even today, when faced with something unexpected, or a particular challenge, or “unknowns” about the future – and especially with our world in so much turmoil – our first tendency is most often to feel afraid.

Yet, the angel addressed that kind of fear, and gave assurance of a much greater spiritual principle that rises far above our natural inclinations.

In direct contrast to fear, the angel speaks of “great joy” – for all people everywhere, and for all time. But what is this joy that allows us to rise above circumstances, fear and worry?

This supernatural joy is not to be confused with a feeling of “happiness.” Happiness is temporary and usually based upon momentary circumstances or desires. However, the joy we find in the Word of God is far more profound and eternal in nature.

Nehemiah reveals, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10). David, after falling in sin, hungered to be restored to the joy of God’s salvation (Psa 51:12). And Isaiah declared that everlasting joy would be upon all of God’s people (Isa 35:10).

Joy is among the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). Joy is declared to be our response when encountering trials (James 1:2). Even Jesus Christ, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross (Heb 12:2). He found the strength to endure one of the most brutal tortures ever recorded because of a supernatural joy that was before Him.

Surely then, this joy must go far beyond a happy feeling. This type of joy must be of greater substance and durability than simple happiness – and it is!

The genuine and supernatural joy of the Lord is the deep-seated assurance of all that we have in Christ. All of Who He is, and all that He has done, is ours through Him when we have received His salvation. The joy set before Jesus was knowing of the salvation He alone would provide to a lost and hopeless humanity that could never be found any other way.

And because of His joy-filled sacrifice on the Cross to take the penalty for our sins, we now have available His forgiveness, redemption, healing, wisdom, strength, provision, grace, purpose, eternal destiny, and much more. Hallelujah!

Therefore, despite any short-lived circumstance of life, we can reject all fear that wants to overtake us. May we instead choose to walk in the deep and profound joy of Christ and His salvation, trusting ourselves and our future to our faithful Creator (1Pet 4:19) Who promises to never leave us nor forsake us (Deut 31:8). In Him, we can truly “rejoice always” (1Thes 5:16).

So, with joy-filled assurance, let us daily release our burdens and fears and instead lift our requests to this great and mighty Savior who both hears and answers when we call.

This most blessed and sacred season of rejoicing in Christ’s birth around the world can also be very dangerous for millions of Christians in persecuted areas.

When they gather in larger numbers, they can quickly become targets of persecution by radicals of false religions and atheist state governments.

Please pray for:

• Peace, safety and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a tangible witness to both believers and nonbelievers.
• Those intent upon evil and violence to be thwarted and stopped – and may conviction come swiftly, with repentance and genuine faith in Jesus Christ following.
• The testimony and Gospel of Jesus to be diffused like a fragrance everywhere (2Cor 2:14-16), from the halls of government to the humblest dwellings.
• Believers to be bold, to proclaim the Good News at every opportunity, in every gathering and conversation. People are desperate, and they need the Lord!
• A renewed spiritual hunger for authentic salvation to arise both inside the Church and outside in the marketplace.

In spite of what you might read or hear, there is good news happening around the world!

• In the USA, more than 20 million Bibles have been purchased in 2025. And one Bible app just passed the one billion mark for downloads! There has also been a surge of young men rising and regularly attending evangelical churches. Pray for them!
• Amidst the brutality of Islamic terrorism in Africa (particularly Nigeria), a frontline ministry has reported the conversion of many “child-soldiers” who were cruelly indoctrinated into violence but have been saved. They are now becoming warriors and bold evangelists for Jesus Christ!
• Despite the rise of violent attacks against Christians and churches worldwide, God is moving! In France, which has become a dark and pagan land, church attendance and church growth is rising quickly. Every ten days, a new evangelical/charismatic church is planted!

These are just a few of thousands of testimonies that speak of the great things the Lord is doing in these perilous times. Every day, in the hearts of men, women and children around the globe, the Holy Spirit is continually drawing people to Jesus Christ!

So how can we pray? Simply beseech the Lord to continue to do what only He can do, and then ask Him what part He wants you to have in His great work of salvation in these days.

We are humbled by the fruitful ministry the Lord accomplished through us this year. You help make it possible, so we thank you for your earnest prayers that open the doors and make the paths of the Lord straight before us! May you enjoy a blessed and wonderful Christmas season.

In this blessed Christmas season, and as we enter another year, may our hearts rejoice and be filled with worship to our Living Savior! Let us walk in the joy and full assurance of all of Who Christ is and all that He pours into our lives as His children.

No matter the challenge or trial, or the victories ahead, we are His and He is ours, now and throughout eternity. And there are no greater good tidings of great joy than that!

With joy-filled praise to the Christ of Christmas!
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP Executive Directors