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

Gift giving Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name I come to You to thank You for the greatest gift ever given. You gave Your only begotten Son to be born on Earth, live a short while, then die on the cross to provide me with salvation and a home in heaven for eternity.
Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
John 3:15 “That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.“

I ask that You forgive me when my focus of Christmas gets out of balance. Sometimes I get distracted from Jesus’ birth by all the beautiful lights, decorations, family, and good food. which all are good. Direct me this year, as I enjoy all of the different ways of celebration, to keep in mind that without Jesus, there would be no Christmas. Remind me often that it is His birthday that is being celebrated.

This year, please give me a deeper understanding and appreciation of what Jesus did for me as expressed in Philippians 2:7-8. “But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.“

I ask that You encourage my children, grandchildren, loved ones and friends that in spite of all the chaos, disappointment, heartache, and sorrow, the Christmas story is still the same as always. Amen.

“Joy to the world,
the Lord is come,
let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room.”