A Christmas Carol Prayer

Christmas has a way of poking around in the shadows of my heart, unearthing the inner Ebenezer. “Bah! Humbug,” she snarls with a stiffened gait. Oh, Holy Spirit, lead me to Christmas Past – the first Advent. Guide me like those awe-struck shepherds – to the scene of revelation. To the trough where a newborn baby whimpered in the night. Wash my soul with wonder as I ponder the mystery of an uncontainable God slipping into skin and skeleton to make his dwelling among people and destroy the works of the devil.

When my inner Scrooge advises me to double count the coins before dropping them into the red pail outside the department store, please lift my gaze from all the trappings surrounding. When a scowl steals my smile, tune my mind to the nearing day my Savior will again walk this sphere, but as coronated King reigning his consummated Kingdom. Oh come, Emmanuel! Bury Sin and death once and for all. Holy Spirit, lead me to Christmas Yet to Come – the second Advent.

When people frighten me and situations frustrate me, shift my thoughts heavenward, where Christ enthroned advocates for his own. Teach me to emulate the true meaning of Christmas, rather than venerate busy-ness or swiftness. When loneliness discomfits – or selfishness or greed – open my eyes to others’ needs. Heighten my awareness. Deepen my dependence on the indwelling Christ whose Advent continues in the hearts of his own. Holy Spirit, lead me to Christmas Present – the ongoing Advent.

Christmas has a way of poking around in my heart, reminding me of the Past, Present, and Future Advent of Christ. Holy Spirit, help me honor him in my heart and keep Christmas all the year. God bless us! God bless us everyone!