2020 Christmas
Like many of you, 2020 came with a lot of trying
times. Family and keeping the family together in love doesn't come without
challenges. This year it’s just my family, my mom, and my mother-in-law got together,
and I asked everyone to dress up nice to take pictures. It was fun capturing
the moments and it was a cherished, loving memory for me that makes me happy.
As we came together and sat around the Christmas table holding hands as I said
a prayer...
Dear Heavenly Father, as I sit here searching for the right words to say, it occurs to me that there are no right or wrong words. Father God, we praise you that you are fully in control of all things. I pray you would protect our children...Nathan, Darin, Dylan, and Evelyn Skye. Keep them healthy and help them to thrive. I thank you that you know every hair on their head. You know exactly when they rise and when they fall. Watch over our children in every area of their life and keep them safe.
This is a chaotic and tumultuous time. Every day there seems to be a slew of new restrictions and public guidelines aimed at stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We’ve learned a thing or two over the months about coping with anxiety and uncertainty. One important way we cope is to turn to you, God, in prayer. We are serious about prayer here because we see God working in the lives of so many people every day. We pray for people who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and for the family and medical staff who surround them in care. We pray for those who are most vulnerable to this disease, whether from underlying health conditions or other contributing factors. Father God, may they rest in your peace and protection. We pray for healthcare workers and people on the front lines of this disease. For workers who are in essential roles to keep our communities going. Keep them healthy; keep them safe.
My Lord, David and I praise You and we thank You for the gift of our mothers. We thank you that our mothers gave us life and nurtured us. We thank our mothers, giving thanks for all the commitment to raising us as children. We thank them for the sacrifice of their time, pleasures, and interest to give us a life of contentment. Please bless our mothers and keep them healthy. Help them to feel precious in your eyes today and to know that we love them. Give our mothers strength, good health, compassion, and peace.
It is Christmas Day and as we celebrate and rejoice in you, Jesus, we are thankful for everything and everyone who surrounds us. Your Spirit fills this room, the warmth is enough to light a thousand fires in our hearts. Let us sit and enjoy this meal as we ponder everything Christmas is all about and let us not forget the true importance of this glorious day. Love brought Jesus to the earth, and love brings us to this Christmas table. Today as we share this holiday feast, may we also share with one another a joyful heart and a warm smile. May our Christmas be filled with kindness. And may the memories of today warm our hearts for years to come. What perfect way to celebrate your day than by honoring you while being with the ones we love most. We are thankful for this hot meal we get to enjoy. In Jesus' name we pray, everyone says...AMEN.
Christmas to me is about sharing love, my love, my family's love, and the love of Christ. I'm so grateful for all the great Christmas memories I have to share. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from my family to yours!
