A friend wrote recently expressing some thoughts and feelings I’ve had of late and face in the many Christian leaders I spend time with on a regular basis. She says it well so I’ll not embellish. God help us in our celebration that we not sound redundant in our insistence that His Son is the reason for the season. May we be silenced by a clear vision of Who He is and what He really is about in our here and now – Christmas included (for a good glimpse read Rev. 1: 10-18).
It’s another holiday season. Another year end…
One that was filled with joys and sadness.
And now in the midst of the tinsel, lights and shopping, the holidays can be filled with unrealistic expectations. Even in the joy, old hurts can be revisited and new ones inflicted. A heart can ache from hope deferred… and I find that I have been in that category!
Therefore, my focus this month has been wondering if I’ve lost my first love. You know “THE reason for the season”. As a missionary I can get so caught up in the “doing” that I burn out because I’m not taking time to “be”…..at His feet, letting Him speak into my life with words of love, telling me that I don’t have to “do”. I just need to “be” — His.
This time of year God brings me face to face once again with His design for redemption of mankind. His intentions toward me are for a life lived abundantly. His plans for the kingdom ……victorious.
So while I’m trying to remind myself that the season is about my Saviour, I came across “12 prayers for Christmas” by Sandra Higley……and they touched my heart.
My prayer is that they bless you and remind you as they have me.
*Lord, help me to follow the way of love – may your love compel me.
*Restore the joy of Your salvation in me; I want to experience the joy of Your presence.
*Let Your peace rule and guard my heart; give me more of You – You are my peace.
*Enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know the hope You called me to.
*Let Your favor rest on me.
*Shine Your light of life on me; help me to walk in it.
*Help me to fear You so that I may walk in your holiness.
*Teach me selflessness; Keep me from self-seeking attitudes that reject truth.
*Make me rich in ways that result in generosity on my part so You will be praised.
*Help me receive Your kingdom, Your Spirit, and Your grace.
*Encourage me to seek Your face with all my heart.
*I ascribe glory to Your name, Lord; I come before You in worship for You are holy.
Tags: Christmas
