Prayer Tip--O Holy Night: The Lost Second Verse
Daily Scripture
Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV) and Hebrews 4:14-16 (NRSV)
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (NIV)
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (NRSV)
Daily Reflection & Prayer
It seems as though every year I keep adding more and more to my plate. Some things get added because I place them there, and other times they get placed there by others. Events, work obligations, all the things that come with the season. And when it comes to Advent, it’s easy to feel weighed down, exhausted, depleted. I can show up for work, for my friends and family, but I am not showing up as my best self. There never seems to be enough time or enough sleep, and then Satan uses this survival kind of state I’m in to distract me… to pull my gaze away from what all of this is about. Complaining comes easy. Priorities get skewed. And instead of marveling in the wonder of Christmas, I’m just hoping to run on autopilot and make it through.
But that’s not what I want for myself. That’s not what God wants for me either.
I’ve been listening to Christmas music on a Christian radio station during my morning commute. And it’s become this daily reminder of what Christmas actually is—God coming to us, seeking us out, entering into our mess and our exhaustion and our chaos. Every time I pause to really listen to the words and the music, something shifts. All of a sudden, all that weighs me down with holiday obligations seems so insignificant in comparison. The noise of the world is muted. The wonder and joy of Christ’s birth come into view. Instead of go-go-go, there’s stillness. Quiet. Hope. He came for me. He came for us. And when I let myself feel that truth—really feel it—I find myself craving that sacred space at the manger, longing for those moments where there’s no room for chaos or distraction, where I can just kneel and be near my savior.
This gift is too great for me to understand, but he came to be with us, and I want to spend as much time as I can, this side of heaven, receiving this stunning and extraordinary gift.
May you find moments this Advent to pause and remember the joy of Christmas—God coming to you, seeking you, entering into your chaos with love. May the weight of holiday obligations fade as you let yourself feel the wonder of what he’s done. And may you find your way to the manger, to those quiet moments where you can simply be near your savior and receive the gift of his presence.
Prayer
Jesus, in the midst of all the noise and chaos of this season, help me find my way back to the wonder of Christmas. When I’m running on autopilot and feeling depleted, remind me that you came seeking me—that this story is about your love breaking into the world, your light entering our darkness, your presence changing everything.
I don’t want to just survive this Advent. I want to feel the joy of it. I want to pause long enough to let the truth sink in—that you came for me, that you’re here with me, that this gift is more extraordinary than I can fully grasp. Draw me to the manger, to those sacred moments of stillness and wonder where I can simply kneel and be near you and remember what this is all about.
Help me hear the angels sing. Help me see your light. Help me receive this stunning gift of your presence with a heart that’s awake and grateful and full of joy. You came to be with us, Jesus. You came for me. Don’t let me miss it. Fill this season with your peace, your hope, your love. And when the obligations and distractions try to pull me away, bring me back to the Love that came down at Christmas—back to you. Amen.
GPS Insights
Mindy LaHood
Mindy LaHood, who serves as Worship Communications and Design Manager, wrote this week's Prayer Tip. Mindy blends her passion for writing with crafting clear and engaging content across various platforms. Her calling as a writer shapes her approach to creating meaningful connections through visual design and thoughtful communication strategies.
