Ephesians 6:18 – Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.

Gratitude Day 801

A highlight of every Christmas is receiving Christmas cards.

I LOVE hearing from family and friends. Quite honestly, there are a chunk of people we only hear from at Christmas time. I treasure all these cards and letters.

Today, I’m sharing a way that you can elevate how you view Christmas cards this year.

I wait until close to Christmas before I open our cards. I like to sit down and open a bunch at one time! This year on Christmas Eve, I sat down with a cup of coffee and opened cards. I loved reading the messages and updates families sent along with their greetings. The pictures, the beautiful cards, just made the afternoon special.

For now, I set them aside for another day, a day that I think is terribly important. Soon, I will pick a time to start praying over the cards. Because the people represented in the cards are so special, I like to take a little extra time and pray for each individual family that is represented in those cards. I hold each card individually, read it again, lay my hand on it and pray for the people the card represents. It’s just a small way that I can connect with this family in a very personally meaningful way.

The logistics of how this happens changes from year-to-year. Often, I take one card a day and pray for the family. Sometimes, I have done small chunks of cards for several days in a row. I want to give each family time just for their family. Time where I am able to honor and respect this family and whatever is going on in their lives.

I feel connected to this family as I pray over their card, asking God to be with them in whatever is going on in their lives right now. I rejoice with those things that are celebrations and I lift up those things that may be challenging right now, whether I know the specific nature or not. This is one way I can appreciate and value this family while also advocating for God to hold them tightly in God’s hand.

Praying over Christmas cards is a fun and deeply meaningful way to extend the Christmas spirit just a bit longer. More importantly, it’s a way that I can be just with each family.

If you are looking for a fun, meaningful and personal way to connect with the people represented in the Christmas cards you receive, try praying over each family and their Christmas card. Do it in a timeframe that fits you. Wait and see how this little project makes you feel. I think it will open your heart in a slightly new way this holiday season.

Oh, and if you haven’t received a Christmas card from me yet this year? Please do not feel singled out. I plan on sending out belated New Year’s cards in a couple of weeks with our own little message.

For receiving Christmas cards from people near and far, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Loving God – Thank you for allowing me to hear from so many people these past few weeks. Help me prioritize time so I can lift them up to you individually in the next few days. Amen.

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