Lord Jesus,
At this time of year, we head into a season of celebrations. The whole world seems to be wrapped up in the so-called “Christmas season.”
Now, let’s be honest, or “get real,” as some might say. It is pretty clear that there were no shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night in the open air near Bethlehem in late December! Average overnight temperatures are too low, and overnight watches are a spring through autumn affair.
Nobody recorded the actual date of Your birth, Jesus, but we are pretty sure it wasn’t in the bleak midwinter when frosty winds made moan. Not really a problem though. Even if the December date is incorrect, it still gives us a date around which to announce the good news of your first Advent, and as the apostle Paul says, what matters is that You, Jesus, are preached, announced, and celebrated.
So, I will celebrate! I’ll sing all the beautiful carols that announce Your birth. I’ll give gifts and eat good food together with friends, family, and perhaps even some “strangers”! I’ll announce the gospel of Your Advent.
I’d like to thank You for all the usual things You have done for me and my family over the past year. But more than that, I’d like to thank You for all the unusual things You’ve done for us, too, for all Your gifts, great and small. Thank You for overlooking our constant failings, and loving us nonetheless.
One request is always on my lips: Lord, give us the faith we need to trust Your love in every circumstance.
Go today, Lord, fill the earth with joy and love. Heal our wounds, physical, emotional and spiritual. Save us a place with You, in Your Father’s house, and come soon to take us home!
Merry Christmas! I’m so glad you were born, whenever it was!
Fred Davis is a retired educator who enjoys his time with family, singing with the William Chunestudy Men’s Chorus, and participating in the Liturgical Service at the La Sierra University Church.