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

Thinking About Christmas Yet?

Even if you aren't... (click on the youtube title to view full screen)

Let's teach our children this year what Christmas is really all about.

(inspired by http://www.thyhandhathprovided.blogspot.com/ )

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Our church's cantata is over, our children's program will be performed this weekend, our gift exchange with friends is complete, we continue to check off the list. All the while, Bethlehem remains in my mind. I'm relishing in the festivities, taking in the joy, but this evening takes my mind to another night. The little town is almost visible to me as I gaze out my window into the darkening sky.

I close my eyes and try to feel her labour, her shivering, her fear. It was Mary's first birth experience and the lack of shelter would certainly bring a nervousness for how this would all take place. She was young, trusting Joseph to find somewhere adequate for them. Oh, how the pain must have scared her. No longer a mother at her side, she was becoming a mother. And as she was visited and gifts were brought and her child was worshipped, she pondered all these things in her heart. I have a video and photos as memories of my births and yet, the story of her child, born in this little town, remains with me today through His Word. I sometimes ache to sit and meditate on this for much longer, perhaps all of advent.

Bethlehem, you're on my mind tonight. You must be on my mind. If I don't allow you to infiltrate me, what is my list worth? What is this season worth? Would Christmas ever be the same if I let go of the parties and gifts and just sat at His feet? It's tempting. Having had even more changes in my heart this month, I wait for the celebration of His birth with renewed anticipation. Oh, little town, my hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.