Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2022
Author: Hannah DeVivo

Peace be with you!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. If you’re like me, you’ve been busy with all sorts of Christmas preparations. Excitement and anticipation are in the air, and the joy of Christmas is just around the corner! At this moment, however, I invite you to take a break. Put a pause on the to-do list and quiet your heart. Our Lord is waiting for you there. While distancing yourself from the worldly demands, please read through these short tips to help you cherish this Christmas more fully.

Unburden Your Minds and Hearts 

Maybe you have experienced moments of stress, despair, sadness, anger, or tiredness this season. If so, I invite you to give it all to God right now. Take this moment to breathe in His love for you. As Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” -Matthew 11:28-30

Remember Your Worth

We know that Christmas is the time we remember the birth of the Savior, and that He was given to us as a gift. This is the reason why we give presents. It is so important for us to remember that even though gifts are fun and nice, the most important thing that you can do for your loved ones is to see Christ in them and be Christ to them. Your worth is far more important and meaningful than any toy or earthly treasure. Your worth is not attached to how much money you can spend or what you can do for others. If you have nothing to give but your time and presence, it will be enough. You are enough simply because you exist.

Seek God in the Moments

As you enter these next few days of celebration, remember to take some time with God each day. Tell Him “Happy Birthday”, invite Him into your joy, think of Him when you look around at the gifts and graces He has given you. If you find yourself getting too drawn into the material aspects that come along with the holiday, ask the Holy Spirit to help draw you back to God. I find it especially helpful to read the Word of God. Try to find some time to take out your Bible and listen to what God is saying to you through it.

A Christmas Prayer for Us All

Dear heavenly Father, 

We praise You today, for Your Word tells us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

O God, this living hope is none other than Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus, who was born in silence of the Virgin Mary, in Bethlehem, so many years ago.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.-Isaiah 9:5

Jesus, You knew we would each need hope, hope that God really does love us, hope that God could make a way for us out of our own brokenness and need, our mistakes and sins, our weakness and selfishness.

And You came, that first Christmas, to bring Your deep peace and hope to the world. A holy calm fills our hearts and suffuses our whole being. You are here, with us now. Emmanuel, You have kept Your promise. Messiah has come.

Lord Jesus, be born again in us this Christmas. O God, please come and fill our hearts anew with Your Holy Spirit, and grant us the peace and joy that nothing can disturb. Please help us receive the love of Your dear Son, our Infant King. Grant us the grace to take some time in quiet to just receive You deeply into our hearts and to hear Your gentle voice speaking to us, encouraging us, and empowering us to be Your presence in the world.

And then, let us sing with all the angels, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus!

On behalf of our Autom family, we wish you a Blessed and very Merry Christmas!