Have you ever been to
someone’s house leading up to Christmas and noticed the gifts that extend
beyond the wide branches of the Christmas tree?
Do you ever think to
yourself, and Santa hasn’t been here yet either???
I don’t have a children…
yet, but I do understand already wanting to give my future daughter everything she could
want or need. I’ve already found myself
wanting to buy her Christmas presents and she’s not even here yet.
I’ve had to stop myself
and say, really Angie? Does she need that? Or is it me that WANTS that because
it’s so cute???
I have to stop and think that the
first thing she is going to need is her parent’s love and comfort.
One of the things that I
have actually begun is reading one of those rhythmic Baby Bibles to her and
saying nightly prayers because I want her to know how much God already loves
her.
I want her to know that
the ultimate present she could ever have is the love of God and the gift that
has been given through the incarnation, life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During this busy holiday
season, I hope that we all take time to remember that gift: The
greatest present of all that God has given us.
Will you pray with me?
Pastoral
Prayer
God of abundant life, you
have blessed us with so many gifts and we give you thanks. We give you thanks
for the gift of life that you have given to us through your Son Jesus Christ.
You are the ultimate provider and you fulfill our lives. But during this Season
as we await with anticipation the celebration of your gift to us, we find
ourselves too busy with preparations. We find ourselves overspending of
presents so that we can provide our children and loved one with material things
that we think will make them happy, when really it is you that is often needed
most. God, we ask for your forgiveness when we pull away from you and forget
that you are the focus of this season, you are the one that truly loves us.
God, we know that your
Spirit is upon us, you have called us to work alongside you to bring good news
to the poor, to liberate those captive to darkness. You love is our strength.
Through you we can do all things, you surround us with constant forgiveness and
love.
And we offer to you now
our prayers for healing for those in our lives who need you most.
God, we lift up those on
our hearts. Help them to know that you are ever present with them. Help us be
faithful witnesses to your law of love and unity.
We ask these things
in your son’s Holy name, Amen.
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