Christmas Prayer

On Sunday, Joan and Amos Wimer lit the Advent Candle for one of our local church services. After Amos read a selection from Scripture, Joan prayed a most beautiful prayer. I asked her for a copy so I could share it with others. Here it is:

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds

and the wisdom of the wise men. 

Close the door of hate

and open the door of love all over the world. 

Let kindness come with every gift

and good desires with every greeting. 

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. 

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,

and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,

forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.

Amen

 

Written by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

 

Grateful

Going Home

Yes, it really is 2:51 a.m. as I write this particular blog post. I just returned home a while ago after being with a dear husband whose wife passed away tonight. After fifty years of marriage, he had to watch the funeral director roll the body of his beloved sweetheart out the front door of their home never to return again. Indeed, it is heart-wrenching to witness.

Before I left, I was honored to pray a prayer of comfort and assurance with the family and friends gathered to begin their grieving process. The precious wife and mother was trusting the Lord for Eternal Life, so gladness was mingled beautifully with their grief. Actually, the husband said, "Don't take me wrong, pastor, but I am actually relieved that her suffering is over." It was a clear declaration of his true compassion for his beloved.

While we have not yet entered the details of the home-going celebration service, the husband did say what song must be sung. Yes, that old hymn of the church titled "Going Home." It was his wife's favorite.

Take a listen to the song posted below and as you do breathe a prayer for my dear friends as they await reunion in Heaven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ8sQfzuZnE&feature=related

We do not grieve as those who have no hope. -- 1 Thess. 4:13
Grateful

Have I Told You Lately?

Lord, have I told You lately that I love you?
Have I told You there's no one above You?

I do love You, Lord!
And there's no one above You!

I dedicate this love song by Van Morrison to You, My Loving Lord:
Click > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFF1wJN75Z0

"Lord, You know everything. You know I love you."
-- Peter's Declaration to Jesus in John 21:17

You fill my heart with gladness and take away my sadness!
You ease my trouble. That's what You do!
Grateful

Beauty For Ashes

Crystal Lewis sings one of my favorites songs based on Isaiah 61:3. Here are the lovely lyrics:

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.
Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful