A Christmas Prayer

We praise you, Jesus, for coming as a child to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. We wonder at it all as it is too much for us to grasp.

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" [Philippians 2:5–9 ESV].

I am humbled that you so loved us that you sent your Son to us for our salvation and your glory. God, I ask that you help me look at all the blessings and privileges you have given me in life. Help me not think of them as something to be grasped but as something that I can give. Help me know how to join the Missio Dei ongoing since that manger in Bethlehem: the mission of redemption and reconciliation in the world. What do I have that I could let go of and give for the glory of Jesus Christ?

Lord, I thank you for this season of remembrance of your great and humbling gift to us. It fills me with joy, draws me closer to my family, and turns my thoughts to what I can give others both materially and with my time and presence. Help me carry these feelings and thoughts into the year that follows. Help me be generous, thoughtful, and present in the lives of those I can influence and love the most.

Father, help me pray for those that are yet to know your Son and the significance of His birth. Encourage me to push through the lies of the world that would hide the Son in material concerns and holiday tripe and "magic." Help me see how I can manifest joy, love, and peace to those around and illuminate the darkness with the light of truth here and around the world. Help me be a gift-giver as you were on that far away night in the tiny town of Bethlehem.

Amen.