A prayer to put Jesus first in this Christmas season

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and he wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hotel “. - Luke 2: 7

There is no place for them. Full. No place. Words that still seem pending, even today.

In a world that tries to exclude Jesus, where commitments abound and the heart is driven to focus on other things, it can sometimes be difficult to choose to keep him first. It's all too easy to get caught up in the holiday frenzy and give our attention to what seems most urgent. Our attention becomes blurred; and the most important is put aside.

It takes active, daily choice to put Christ first, especially in a culture that says you're too busy to focus on that. Or that life is too full. And there is no more space.

May God help us choose wisely which voices to listen to and where to pay our attention today.

It is He who gives true meaning to Christmas.

It is He who brings true peace in this too often hectic season.

It is the only one worthy of our time and attention as we slow down the maddening rush around our lives.

We may know all this in our heads, but may He help us truly believe in our hearts… and choose to live it this season.

Refurbished.

Refreshed.

Before making room for Him.

My God,

Help us keep our focus on Christ first and foremost this season. Please forgive us for spending too much time and attention on other things. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas really is. Thank you for coming to give new life, peace, hope and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect by our weakness. Help us remember that Christ's gift, Emmanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thanks for your reminder that both in holiday and break-up periods, you are still with us. Why you never leave us. Thank you for your powerful daily Presence in our lives, because we can be sure that your heart is towards us, your eyes are on us and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us like a shield and we are safe in your care. We choose to get close to you today… and keep you first in our hearts and in our lives.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen