Prayer Tip: "Door Holder #3"
Daily Scripture
Luke 2:8-14
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
For years, our family’s favorite Christmas movie has been “White Christmas.” It has been a favorite for the timeless messages throughout, the singing, the dancing and who does not love Danny Kaye! Who does not love a good “Sisters, Sisters!” song? When I was younger my sister and I would dance the same steps in the living room in our home as my mom would giggle in the background. Let’s not forget Bing Crosby! The finale would not be the same without the voice of Bing Crosby belting out “White Christmas.”
While movies and song shape our family’s memories there is another story that it is even more poignant. We recognize with anticipation the coming birth of our Savior. As we reflect on the birth of Christ, we observe the atmosphere much different than the fanfare of our favorite holiday movies–a humble and quiet birth. The birth of Jesus is a stark contrast to our loud social media announcements of today’s world. Jesus came as a light shining in the darkness. He came to give us hope.
If you are struggling this season with a mixture of emotions that the season brings know that hope has arrived. Not only that but the light and hope of Christ is present for each one of us. This is an invitation to move through the emotions of the season knowing that we are invited to bring all of who we are to God, that God hears us and cares.
Let us pray:
Prayer
As we pray, we reflect upon a mixture of emotions felt at Christmas. We bring our sorrows, our joy, our pain and our light and we gather them up and place them before you as we pray. Often, we can feel joy one moment and pain the next. We feel crumpled, yet hopeful, anger yet joy amongst the gathering of loved ones. Tears escape from our eyes, tears filled somehow with goodness and hope knowing that through all of it you are always present. We think about Joseph, Mary, and the birth. It makes us realize that our Savior moved through the same emotions that we did preparing for the birth. Our bags are packed, the donkey is saddled, and we wait with anticipation at the Inn. Amen.
GPS Insights
Jessica Lovell
This week's prayer tip is by Jessica Lovell, who serves as a Connection & Care Pastor at Resurrection Overland Park.
