A Prayer To Remember The Reason For The Season

 DECEMBER 21 – Advent 4 - Monday

Things are very different this year as we celebrate the season aren’t they?  A couple of cartoons tell just some of the story as we see a sanitized Santa in the mall this year and Santa helps us figure out how to send messages to him.  Many of us relate to the longing of the little girl in the message coming through the laptop don’t we:  “All I want for Christmas is for things to be the way they used to be.”

Well, amid the not so pleasant changes there are some others that are worth keeping beyond this year.  Christmas decorations and lights have been up for weeks. If you’re willing to buy a little gasoline then a drive through the neighbourhoods is a treat to the eyes.  Lots of folks decided to get a real tree and spend more time decorating for Christmas this year.  Whether it’s trying to make new family traditions or simply to brighten up the end of what has been a challenging year, it’s nice to see streets brighten up and homes made more cozy with decorations.

What hasn’t changed is the reason for the season. 

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him.  He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  John 1:9-12 NLT

Even though we have the opportunity to be less pre-occupied with preparations and events surrounding Christmas, it’s still easy to forget or ignore Jesus – the one it’s all about. 

Today is a wonderful opportunity to intentionally spend time with Jesus - the reason for the season.  Let’s invite His presence into our lives.  Let’s simplify the things that need doing.  Let’s shift from activity to the joy of being receivers of God's generous love.  Let’s fill this season with direction and meaning as we include Jesus in our thoughts and activities today, and every day.

Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth, may we begin to see the world in the light of understanding you give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving.    — Karen L. Oberst

May we be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. May we be filled with God’s blessing, now and forever.

In a world where worry, not peace, prevails, Lord, make this Christmas message real in our hearts once again. Never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh. Your love never changes, never fades, and You never abandon the purpose for which You came: to save us, to give us eternal life, the joy of relationship with a holy God.

Lord help us to receive and reflect on this amazing Christmas event.  Fill our hearts with the peace we desperately seek and which You alone can give.  Help us to focus less on ourselves and more on others, as You did when You left heaven to come here to earth for us.  Holy Spirit, reveal to us your beauty, holiness, and purity. Prince of Peace, be born anew in us.

We end with the very familiar prayer we usually sing:

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in your tender care,

And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.