INSPIRASUNS

The weeks leading up to Christmas always seem to be crazy busy. Decorating, annual cookie making, gift buying or making, and all the other Christmas to-do’s seem to fill the days and before we know it the 25th is here. And…through all of the business, we find ourselves stressed and tired.

I’ve committed to spending a little extra time with Father this Advent, and try to read something new each day, a reflection or a prayer, or dig into a little history about Advent. This morning I found this Advent Prayer that really touched me and I wanted to share it here in this little blog. It comes from “The Manger of My Heart” from Proverbs 31 ministries. I hope it touches you as it did me.

An Advent Prayer for The Lord to Come
This Christmas, 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.

Try to slow down a little this season my friends. Enjoy the wonder and special feelings that the season brings, and remember the reason for the season.

Have a wonderful day and thanks as always for your continued support of this little blog 🙂 .

Luke 2:12
And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.