By: Sarah Geringer
Be joyful in hope. Romans 12:12 NIV
This Christmas is different from any other one we've experienced before.
We are experiencing a drought of hope after nine long months of quarantine, and joy is scarce as well.
But our God is faithful to answer our prayers. Let's ask him for both of these beautiful gifts in prayer today.
Heavenly Father,
We praise you for the joy and hope we find in you,
no matter what our circumstances may be.
We need a fresh infusion of joy and hope this Christmas.
Our minds and souls are depleted after a long year
where joy and hope have been difficult to find.
Yet you invite us into the dark night of Bethlehem
over two thousand years ago
to rediscover the joy and hope first announced
to shepherds tending their flocks.
Joy and hope that rang out in the angels' song
compelling the shepherds to seek the Savior.
Joy and hope in Mary's eyes
as she gazed into the face of her newborn
and stored up treasures in her heart.
Joy and hope that Jesus gave
to everyone willing to receive it:
the tired, wretched, lame, blind,
poor, sick, marginalized, unwanted,
forgotten, rejected, lonely, abused.
Joy and hope that broke with the dawn
one Sunday morning in Jerusalem
when the stone was rolled away
from the tomb.
This Christmas, may we remember
our joy and hope are strongly secured
by the Prince of Peace, the Holy One
who is victorious over death
and offers us eternal life.
May we look forward with joy and hope
to the day when you will provide healing
for the nations, the day when there will be no more
darkness, crying, pain or suffering,
the glorious day when we will reign with you
forever and ever.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Scriptures referenced: Luke 2, Luke 24, Rev. 22
Want more Christmas prayers? Check out all of my Christmas-themed prayers and posts HERE!
Finding Peace in God's Word
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