In the midst of the Christmas rush, I need continual reminders to keep my focus on the Lord. I have found it helpful to look beneath my immediate experience to a spiritual analogy. Here’s a prayer I initially wrote for use in worship that I now use regularly during Advent.
Lord, when we rush and rush this season, remind us that the only time You rushed was to welcome home Your returning prodigal.
When we search and search for just the right gift for that special someone, remind us that we are Your special people, and that You gave us the perfect gift in Jesus Christ.
When we weep at the tenderness of care shown in movies and on television, remind us to express that compassion and generosity in our own lives.
When we find ourselves overwhelmed with so many places to go, remind us that everywhere we go needs the light of Your love.
When we feel alone, and everyone else seems to have someone who cares for them, remind us that someone needs what we can share.
When we suddenly realize that we have forgotten You, remind us that we are always on Your mind.
When we get caught up in the good things of this world, remind us that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
When we gather with close family members–but don’t feel so close, remind us that you gave us this family to love.
And when Christmas is over, and we are packing up the ornaments and taking out the tree, remind us of the tree on which You gave Your Life so that our lives would never, never end.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Enjoy his grace and goodness at all times, in all places. A blessed Christmas to you.
Heart and Mind 