Luke 1:17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Only five days before Christmas!
Can you believe it? Are you ready?
Is the shopping done? Are the gifts wrapped? Are the card mailed? Is Christmas dinner planned?
No? Okay, here's the deal. Make that list of "last-minutes". Categorize. Prioritize.
And, in the immortal words of Larry the Cable Guy: "Get 'er done!"
ASAP!
Because . . .
I want you to take time for you in these remaining days before the Christmas celebration.
That's right. You!
You, curled up in your comfy chair by the fireside, reading that book you've been craving for weeks.
You, sipping a favorite beverage, listening to Christmas carols, dreamily admiring your perfectly decorated Christmas tree.
You, in warm robe and fuzzy slippers, lounging on the couch, watching a beloved Christmas classic.
You, taking time for you. Doing whatever it is that makes you relax and unwind. Whatever gives you joy. Whatever brings you peace.
So, when Christmas Day finally arrives, you are prepared. In heart and mind and soul. Ready to receive God's only Son with the wonder and awe of a carefree child.
Not as a careworn adult . . .
Can you do this? Will you do this?
Today, will you let me pray for you?
Father, I pray for those who have been so caught up in the wilderness of holiday demands, they have barely heard the voice of one crying out to them, "The Lord is near!" Help them now, in these few precious days before Christmas, to slow down, to take time, to reflect upon the greatest gift which has come into this world. Fill them with peace and gladness, and let their hearts rejoice! Amen.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD! LOVE YOU!
Readings
Psalms 66, 67 or 116, 117
Isaiah 11:10-16
Revelation 20:11-21:8
Luke 1:5-25
Psalms 66, 67 or 116, 117
Isaiah 11:10-16
Revelation 20:11-21:8
Luke 1:5-25
Anniversary wishes to your parents. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteA very nice post...you know, so many people have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas..I haven't. It's the best day of the year for me. Comfort and Joy!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary to your parents....you have actually got me into the festive mood....Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for dropping in today!
ReplyDelete@Janu and Alpana - My parents read my daily devotions, so they will see your well-wishes. Thanks for sending them!
@Anonymous - I'm glad to know you haven't forgotten the reason for the season! Comfort and joy to you, too!
And, a Merry Christmas to everyone! :)
Martha - You just don't know how very, very much I needed to hear this today. Merry Christmas to you! Can't wait to see you guys Sunday!!!
ReplyDeleteRenee
I always enjoy reading your posts Martha. I wish your parents a very happy anniversary.
ReplyDeleteHi, Constance and Rimly, and thanks for stopping by! I left you a response earlier and now it's not here? How strange is that!
ReplyDelete@Constance - So glad this message spoke to you today! Don't think we'll have much of a crowd at church Sunday, but so glad to know you will be there! :)
@Rimly - Thanks so much for the compliment! My parents read by blog, so they will see your well wishes. :)
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and happy Anniversary to your parents. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to your parents...wishing you and your family a very merry x-mas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by, TheChronicR and Sukanya!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to the both of you and thank you for the well-wishes for my parents. It means more than you can ever imagine!
To you and yours, I send a very merry and blessed Christmas! May the season last the whole year through for you!
Hello Martha.
ReplyDeleteUplifting post as usual.
My very best wishes to your parents. Just this past August, my in-laws celebrated their 50th anniversary. It was a very special time. I have a long way to go to catch up, but I'm determined to make it.
Thanks for sharing & visiting. I appreciate it.
Thank you, Andy, for your kind words. How wonderful for your in-laws! This was my parents 59th anniversary. Just wow!
ReplyDeleteKnow I love reading your poetry and visiting with you, too.
Thanks for your support!
Blessings!