At the heart of Christmas is the message of God drawing near to us in the person of Jesus Christ. The Son of God willingly left his seat at the Father's side to come down and identify with humanity in every respect, including our weaknesses. That's what makes him a perfect High Priest and what gives us the confidence to draw near to God in times of need.

It’s worth noting that the only thing Jesus’ disciples are recorded to have asked him to teach them is how to pray. His reply to their request was the Lord’s Prayer. But before we study it line by line, we need to establish the right motives behind prayer.

In the last half of Ephesians, Paul has been describing what it looks like to walk as one saved by the gospel. Now as he concludes, he leaves us with a stark reminder that we're walking into a fight. There are spiritual forces in the world committed to knocking you off your feet. But there is also a mighty God in whom you can stand firm and endure.

If the Gospel can give dignity and purpose to the work of a first-century slave, then there is definitely hope for yours. Whether you're the one giving orders or the one taking them, the Gospel has the power to reorient your attitude and motivation to do excellent work at work.