Christmas Prayer

I hope you all have a blessed and very Merry Christmas.

My prayer for you:

God, we love you. On this day of your son’s mortal birth, help us not to lose sight of the real reason for this holiday, and let us experience a morsel of the joy and expectation the heaven’s felt when Jesus shed his glory and came quietly to this dark earth to save us.

As we go through the rituals and everyday busyness of this season, help us remember that it was a simple innkeeper’s busyness that caused him to miss out on the greatest birth of all time.

Instead of dreaming about mere toys and games, let us remember the magi’s long journey and their gifts to you. May we be as wise and follow after The Good Shepherd every day of our lives.

As we lay down to sleep in our comfortable beds tonight, let us remember our King of King’s first night wrapped in rags sleeping in a feed trough.

As we feast together, let us reverently remember our Deliverer’s last supper and prepare for the bridal feast yet to come.

As we sing Christmas carols, let our hearts rejoice in the presence of our High Priest.
As we worry over temporary and worldly things, let us remember the sacrifice Immanuel made for our eternal salvation.

How truly blessed we are to know how this nativity story ends, but on this day, bring the painted, plastic characters to life and out of the miniature stable and help us to see the integral parts they played in the miracle you created.

Help us to remember Jesus not only as a baby, but every miracle he performed, every life he touched, every man he loved, and every soul he saved. Truly there is no better God to serve. We don’t deserve your unlimited grace and mercy, but we thank you that you are love, unchanging in your goodness, and holy beyond belief. As the New Year commences, I pray our hearts would be softened to your truth, and that we would come to know your voice as our Shepherd and follow in obedience so we too can take part in your masterfully crafted plan for our lives.

God, today we remember you and all you give us daily. Thank you for the best gift of all – your son. May this day glorify only you. In our holy Savior’s name we pray. Amen.

Waiting...

Waiting…patiently…on God. Difficult…humbling…worthwhile.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
~Crosby

The Loss of a Presence

Though I didn’t see her every day
Or even think about her but occasionally
The loss of her presence sneaks up on me
In the hours I never expected

Somewhere, someone else is mourning her
And will until she is gone too
The cycle continually flows, rarely ebbing
Until the day of redemption

When all the promises foretold
Everything we faithfully hoped for
Comes to fruition and victory is here
Hearts are mended, presences reunited

Until then, sorrow will unexpectedly pierce
And what can I do
But call the comforter
And receive His merciful relief