Gratitude Day 545

Wed., Dec. 23, 2020

John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 

Holy God –

Emmanuel. God with us.

Soon, we remember. We celebrate. We embrace the One who came into this world to change the world.

And he did.

My prayer as we celebrate his birthday?

Has he changed me?

We say he has. We want him to. But really? Has HE changed ME?

We say he has. And we want to believe this.

Honestly, some days are easier than others.

We keep our lives full and busy and overstuffed, so we don’t really have to pause and think. Contemplate. Be still.

Because then, we might have to be honest.

With You. Ourselves. The world.

Jesus – it’s the most well-known name around the world.

A name that can mean so many different things.

Honestly, a name whose meaning changes daily for us.

Because what we want that name to be for us changes nearly daily.

Messiah. Savior. Emmanuel. The One. Son of God.

Counselor. Prince of Peace.

And some names that maybe are best not listed.

The One who came into this world as a King. Priest. Teacher.

Who was loved by so many and hated by even more.

Who looked challenges in the eye and orchestrated peace when it seemed impossible?

A baby who cried and cooed and grew-up into a young man who changed the world one heart at the time.

Lord God – change my heart this Christmas.

Rather than looking for what’s missing,

Help me count all that I have.

Rather than be disappointed and so over 2020,

Help me treasure the life lessons that have been laid at my feet.

Rather than expect someone else to orchestrate change within me,

Help me embrace and hear You speak to me.

Awaken me to new possibilities within me that only You see.

Challenge me to think beyond the normal and venture into the crazy.

Assure me that You will be with me throughout my life.

Quiet our hearts and souls as we yearn for those, we will not be present with this year.

Whether we are not physically to be together

Or because they have left this earth.

Teach me to value and appreciate every day as a true gift.

Wrap me in your loving care.

May Your arms bring me daily comfort.

When I see the light of a candle may it remind me that You truly are the light of the world.

Help me to slow down and savor this Christmas.

Rather than trying to make everything “perfect,”

May I see that You are perfect, so I don’t have to be.

Thank you for being an important part of my life.

I pray that Your grace and love and peace flow from me to the world around me.

Amen.

For the specialness of Christmas, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Almighty God – encourage me to write my own Christmas prayer this year. One that has meaning and depth and speaks to my relationship with You. Amen.

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