A Pre-Christmas Prayer:

Dear God,
It's two weeks till Christmas Eve today.   There's so much around me that clouds the real story.  Shopping, sales, meals to plan, stockings hung by the chimney with care, hoping Santa will soon be there, decorated trees inside our homes, festive clothing, lights and decor outside our houses and malls and streets....

.... and sometimes I see a Nativity.

Help me keep you at the center of my celebrations this year.  Help me remember the Angel message, "Do not be afraid, for this is good news of a great joy."

Jesus' birth is such a gift.  I know that in him, you were revealing yourself directly in a way I could relate.  Thank you.  I know that as I celebrate his birth, I have also to grieve (and celebrate) his death and resurrection.

The story is all so amazing, confusing, and humbling.  We just don't know what to do with it.  And so we celebrate in all sorts of ways.

But please, God, know that in this very prayer, I turn my attention to you.  And that's where I want my attention most of all.

So thank you for giving me this prayer time with you.  Help me remember you all through this season.

AMEN

Peace in our journeys,

Pastor Steve Melde