Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Giving Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ wonderful Name to thank You for giving us Your Son. It is a great blessing that not only was He born, but that He died on the cruel cross for our sin and was raised from death. By accepting Him, He gives us an eternal home in Heaven. Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

It is an encouragement that Jesus’ birthplace, a manger, is a reminder that even when we are doing God’s will, we are not guaranteed a comfortable life. However, as in Mary’s discomfort of having a baby in a stable, every discomfort in Your plan for us has significance. Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

I ask that this Christmas season You direct me to meditate more on the meaning of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection than on all the ways society wants me to think about Christmas. I appreciate the many beautiful songs about the Christmas story that You have directed people to compose throughout the years. Many of these songs are still sung today around the world. Try the following prayer exercise using the most popular Christmas carol, Silent Night. Visualize the Christmas story by slowly meditating on the words by reading or singing.

Silent Night
Silent night, holy night, all is calm,
all is bright. Round yon virgin,
Mother and Child, holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night.
Darkness flies, all is light.
Shepherds hear the angels sing,
“alleluia hail the King! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.”
Silent night, holy night, guiding star, lend thy light.
See the eastern wise men bring gifts and homage to our King!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.“

Thank You too for the non-spiritual activities we enjoy such as beautiful decorations, family, friends, and gifts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.