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A Christmas Prayer

 December, the holiday season, Christmas. 

This time of year brings me more stress and anxiety than it does joy on most occasions. 

However, this year (2020), I am trying my best to keep my heart and mind focused on Jesus. The past few years, we as a family have had a short Advent devotional/story we read through each night. The first few days are fine, but then I quickly become irritated and overwhelmed by "one more thing to do." Forgetting completely about Jesus. Wishing it would just be December 26th. 

Something is different in me this year. Yes, I still have my frantic, overwhelmed moments and days. Yes, I still feel anxious about the extra stuff that comes with the holidays. But, my heart is much  more focused on Jesus. 

As a mom, I want to control many things; I've actually always been this way, motherhood just exasperated it. I'm slowly, daily, learning and being reminded I'm not in control of everything. 

My prayer in this season has become:

Lord, help me to enjoy this season with these people you've blessed me with. Calm my heart and mind so I can focus on you. Help me, as a mom, to take advantage of all the teaching moments that come my way along with the special moments making memories. Help me to love others well. Remind me, through the power of your Holy Spirit, to hope in your faithful return. Make this season different from all the ones before." 

While I'm still human, can sometimes have an ugly attitude and become easily overwhelmed, I am believing my God can and will equip me for the days ahead. I'll continue to do the things that need to be done. I'll continue to take care of my body through exercise, eating, and sleeping. And I'll continue to nourish my soul through serving my family, my church family, participating in Bible study, small group with my ladies, writing, and baking!

I'll choose to stop and pray before frantically cleaning to release my stress. I'll choose to enjoy the big and small magical moments. I'll choose to joyfully wait in anticipation of my coming King. And I'll celebrate his birth. Because without his birth, his sacrifice wouldn't be possible. And without his sacrifice, my freedom and redemption isn't possible. 

Jesus is enough. 

Jesus is the perfect gift we all need. 

He is the purest gift, worthy of praise and worth sharing. 

Keep your heart and mind centered on the cross, with an eternal perspective, and maybe (just maybe) you will begin to see a change. Jesus is at the center of it all.

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