Monday, December 20, 2010

My Christmas Prayer

Lord, I pray this Christmas, that I would see hearts instead of faces. Open my eyes to the lost and hurting. Show me the one who needs a hug and a little attention. Don't let me miss the widow, the orphan, the prisoner, the one who thirsts. Help me to be mindful of the single person who doesn't get as much loving as a married person, and help me to notice the wounded married couple, who are confused about how to "do" this coming week. Reveal the sadness of the grown children who've recently lost parents and the parents who've lost children.

There are so many who will not laugh and eat to their heart's content, or take photos and relish in the festivities. And there are many who will enjoy the parties and never once think about who You are and why You came. Help me to recognize their hearts too. And in all the noticing and loving, don't let me forget to remain in communion with the One whom it's all about because without You, I can do nothing that is of eternal value. Amen.

Continuing the gratitude...
561. for my three girls who performed with such varying personalities in their Christmas program
562. for how my son wriggled and squirmed but patiently watched performance after performance (as the girls were also in the adult cantata)
563. for the beautiful dusting of snow that sometimes comes after Christmas
564. for the final week of Advent stretching out before us... some busyness behind us... more opportunity to focus on Jesus
565. for the "Breath of Heaven" that lightens our darkness
566. for the girls' winter reading challenge that has them excited
567. for Christmas crafts and busy hands
568. for dark rooms with sparkling lights and a warm fire
569. for untouched, untrodden snow on our deck that glistens in the sunlight
570. for family reunions that remind us where we've come from and help us to love a little more throughout the year

10 comments:

LISA said...

A beautiful post...full of treasured memories. Praying also for those that are all alone for Christmas, and the courage to be Jesus to them.

Dorie said...

Amen to a lovely prayer!
Your listing of gratitude has many wonderful memories.

Anonymous said...

Amen! (to all of this:)
Love Sarah

sydney ellen said...

Great gratitude list!

Unknown said...

Visiting from Ann's...love #561 for uniqueness and what it teaches us...would love to know more about #566 maybe it would inspire another child?

Nizar & Ema said...

Amen to the lovely prayer,so touchy
and encouraging .
You are a blessed woman Heather !!


Emma.

Unknown said...

Beautiful.

Have a peace and joy filled Christmas, Heather .

deb

Craig and Bethany said...

Oh, YES! All the Christmas things. And how to see the secrets, the inside of people. I want to be BETTER. The growing of joy, the best part, how do you wrap that under the tree? May we love a little better each day, huh?

Love, LOVE your comments. Feels like you're practically a sister.

{hug}

sgm said...

Thanks Heather, the season is not about us (even though as I sit and wait for this over due baby to arrive it is hard to look past your own needs!) But, your reminder is precious and thank you for placing my focus on Christ, not me!

Love ya
s

Anna said...

A great prayer. Great reminder as so often we focus on ourselves and our own busy lives during this time.
Glad Oliver survived all the performances!! He'll be up there soon!