A Prayer for Christmas Day
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 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, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” Luke 2:8-14 ESV
Jesus is a Savior for all people. Luke was a Gentile, and as he penned these divine words, he undoubtedly felt an emotional connection to God’s inclusion of all people. The scene of the shepherds is an important representation of the everyday people Christ came to save! Luke also wrote that Jesus came to seek and save the lost! (Luke 19:10) Advent captures our longing for the peace and unity only Christ can provide.
As you light the last candle on the Advent Wreath, pray:
"Father, We long for unity and peace on earth, for justice and righteousness. Guide us and teach us to follow Christ and sanctify our hearts until the day we arrive home in heaven. Help us to see our neighbors, and all people, as the brothers and sisters they are! All children of the One True God. Father teach us to love one another. Help us to build bridges and reach across party lines. Let the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ reign down over our circumstances. Love is paramount to the Kingdom of God. Let us love as we are loved, and experience the peace of Christ. Father, rain down miracles on this earth this Christmas. Jesus, we celebrate Your coming, Your presence, and Your future return! Bless our lives with Your love. May it flow through us like wildfire and may we sing Your praises as the angels who broke through the night sky to proclaim Your glory!
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen,"
Additional Reading: Luke 2:15-21
Advent is a time to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s coming, but we don’t wonder if He will come. He came, and He remains with every Christ-follower through the Holy Spirit, and He will come again. God is in control, even when the world seems to be turned upside down. We can look forward in anticipation, during Advent and every day beyond, to our great God fulfilling every promise.
References
Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Copyright © 2006 by William D. Mounce
NIV Study Bible, Copyright © 1985, 1995, 2002, 2008, 2011 by Zondervan.
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