Tim and I decided to have a technology-free evening,

order dinner out,

turn on Christmas music,

and dive into our attic in search of Christmas treasures.

Five hours later,

we sat down.

We still have wreaths to hang outside and ornaments to add to trees,

but I wanted to share a little holiday spirit and love from our home to yours as the season seems to be quickly upon us.

Praying this prayer today.

Lord, You are the reason for every twinkling light throughout our home.

Your love is what fills us with Christmas peace even when many things in our lives don't seem so peaceful.

The undeserving gift of Your Son is what compels us to give generously to others throughout the holiday season.

Father, our Nativity sets only hint at the wonder of the first Christmas night.

Help us feel the wonder of that most Holy night in a very real way every day of our lives.

Help us enter the next month of life with a new and heightened sense of Your presence.

Help us let go of the worldly tendency to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and stress of holiday shopping;

and instead, help us create more special memories with people we love.

Help us fill our calendar with events that allow us to share Your love rather than events that cause us to feel distracted from the true meaning of the holiday season.

Father, this morning I see faces of so many that I love so deeply.

I even imagine people reading this prayer in other countries who I may never meet until Heaven,

and I ask you, Lord, to bless them all today.

Cover them in Your grace and mercy.

You are the One true and living God.

We are thankful for the chance to live for you every single day.

Comfort those who are hurting.

Calm those who are stressed.

Bring peace to those in the middle of chaos.

Bringing heal to those who are sick.

Help us all to accept the journeys You have placed us on even when the path seems rough, uncertain, and scary.

You promise to go before us on unfamiliar roads.

You promise to make rough places smooth.

As we sit near the twinkling lights of our Christmas trees,

may we constantly be aware of how near You are to each of us.

You are the reason we join in this holiday season.

You are the source of our Christmas joy.

Thank you for sending us Your Son,

the Prince of Peace,

our Savior.

In His Precious Name I Pray this Prayer,

Amen