'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.' (Luke 2:11 NIV)
Our Father, as we enter this Christmas season, we realise that it is one of the most pressure-filled, preparation-packed, relationship-stretching, and crazy-busy times of the year. We are ever so thankful that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, and that He’s come to make peace in the chaos of our world and hearts.
As this Christmas unfolds, grant us the wisdom to discern the difference between the many Martha-like details that really don’t matter and the “one good thing” you commended in Mary. Jesus, be our treasure and pleasure; the focus of our gaze and the joy of our hearts; not just the “reason-for-the-season”, but the very centre of our existence.
May the silent night of your birth bring its gentling presence in our homes. May the “good news of great joy” that the angel’s declared drown-out any other storyline we might write for this season. May Your peace that passes all understanding reign in our hearts like a calming and irresistible force.
Our Father, may we joyfully celebrate the day angels harkened, shepherds ran to see, and Mary treasured in her heart. You have come to us and for us. For God, You so loved the world that You gave us Jesus – our blessed Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
We praise Christ for being born in Bethlehem, the “house of bread.” For we were a famished people, filling ourselves with worthless buffets, spending money for that which is not bread and cannot satisfy. But You came as the Bread of Life, and now we freely dine at the banqueting table of Your welcome and grace. Our hearts are filled with irrepressible gratitude.
As we celebrate your first Advent, our passion for your second Advent is intensified. O for the Day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that You are, indeed, Lord, to the glory of God the Father. O for the Day when every tear will be wiped, everything sad will be forever gone. O for the Day when all things broken will become all things new.
Lord Jesus, as You have come to serve us from Your manger to the cross, so may we find our greatest joy this Christmas in serving one another.
We ask this in the tender and triumphant name of Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.