We Need a Little Christmas
As my husband and I worked diligently this weekend to “deck the halls” with our holiday decorations, Christmas carols played in the background. The nativity is now in its place on the mantel, the stockings are hung, and the Christmas tree is trimmed and lit. We’re counting the days until our family arrives. There is an air of excitement and anticipation. Ahhhh… this is my favorite time of the year.
Listening to the familiar songs of the holidays, the lyrics to “We Need a Little Christmas” resonated with just a bit more meaning this year. This song comes from the Broadway musical, “Mame”. In the story, Mame has lost her entire fortune in the stock market crash of 1929. Although it was only November, Auntie Mame began to speed up the process of decorating her home for the holidays, hoping that it would take her mind off her troubles. She came to the conclusion that she, her young nephew and what remained of her household staff “needed a little Christmas” to cheer them up.
It seems to me that our world could use a little Christmas, too. Not the Christmas of the secular nature referred to in the song, but that which is represented in the gift we received that first Christmas. As we hear of wars, natural disasters and discord, Christians know that the most beautiful gifts we focus on during this season of Advent: hope, peace, love and joy all are found in our Savior. Every day.
In the midst of the busyness of this season, let me take time each day to focus on Christ and the sweet gifts of Christmas that are ours forever.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. […] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Prayer:
“This Advent, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Fill me with Your presence from the very start.
As I prepare for the holidays and gifts to be given,
Remind me of the gift You gave when You sent Your Son from Heaven.
The first Christmas gift, it was the greatest gift ever.
You came as a baby born in a manger.
Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,
Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.
Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,
When He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
And angels announced, “Into your darkness, God brings His Light.”
“Do not be afraid,” they said, to shepherds in the field.
Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.
Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to Your call.
Setting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.
Surround me with Your presence, Lord, I long to hear Your voice.
Clear my mind of countless concerns and all the holiday noise.
Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.
In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.
This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.
Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.
Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence each day.
Keep me close to You, Lord. It’s in Your wonderful Name I pray.”