We yearn, our Father, for the simple beauty of Christmas — for all the old familiar melodies and words that remind us of that great miracle when He who made all things was one night to come as a babe, to like in the crook of a woman’s arm.
Before such mystery we kneel, as we follow the shepherds and Wise Men to bring Thee the gift of our love — a love we confess has not always been as warm or sincere or real as it should have been. But now … that love would find its Beloved, and from Thee receive the grace to make it pure again, warm and real.
We bring Thee our gratitude for every token of Thy love, for all the ways Thou hast heaped blessings upon us during the years that have gone.
May the loving kindness of Christmas not only creep into our hearts, but there abide, so that not even the return to earthly cares and responsibilities, not all the festivities of our own devising may cause it to creep away weeping. May the joy and spirit of Christmas stay with us now and forever.
In the name of Jesus, who came to save His people from their sins, even in that lovely name we pray.
Abridged version of a Christmas Prayer by Peter Marshall
(1902-1949), former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate
I am giving myself a gift — the gift of some time off from blogging between now and January 1, 2013. I wish each of you a joyous Christmas and a deep sense of God’s love and lavish grace in your life. I hope you know how much I appreciate connecting with you through In Others’ Words. See you next year!!
In Your Words: I’m giving myself the gift of time. What would you like for Christmas this year?
Comments 13
Lovely prayer. Thanks for sharing. Great gift idea.
Happy & Blessed Christmas to you and yours, Beth.
Absolutely beautiful Nativity. And I love Peter Marshall–never tire of his quotes. Enjoy a very well-deserved rest between now and New Year’s. We’ll be looking forward to all the added riches tucked into you by then.
What do I want? Knowing I can enjoy meaningful times w/ family and best friends during the coming year–that makes my cup full w/ some of the most delicious things of all.
I’m a fan of Peter Marshall so it was great to see his prayer here.
My gift will be having all my four older kids with us this year, even though one daughter, who works in retail, will only be here two days. Here boss grudgingly gave her time off. I can’t expect her to make it next year. Since we’ll be going to Texas for her sister’s graduation in the spring, I don’t think we’ll be able to travel next Christmas too. Knowing that ahead of time makes me cherish this Christmas even more.
May your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Love Peter Marshall!
Blessings to you this Christmas. Enjoy your time off and look forward to seeing you again in January!
I cherish time as well. It is a valuable commodity that I have too little of.
Thank you for sharing that beautiful prayer with us, Beth. I, too, like Peter Marshall. Merry Christmas to you and everyone here!
Beautiful prayer!
I hope you enjoy your break! This Christmas, I’d love the gift of rest and relaxation…and I’ll get some soon. Mostly, I just want to revel in God’s goodness this December. He just rocks.
Enjoy your time off! It’s hard to even try of thinking about something for myself in this season of my life. If I could have three things it would be: that my twins would potty train themselves, that my husband would finish our basement project quickly and that my book would find a good home – or better yet, that my heart would be content with whatever God has willed concerning it. Merry Christmas, Beth.
Beth, have a blessed Christmas with your family.
Enjoy your blogging break, Beth. I wish you and yours a blessed celebration of our Savior’s birth.
Amen. Thanks for sharing this, Beth. I hope you enjoy a restful break.
Beautiful prayer. Enjoy your time off from blogging. I think I’ve got my word for 2013, read it in a blog post this morning and we sort of clicked. Can’t wait to hear yours.
Oops, just remembered you already told your word … confidence. Good one.
Lovely prayer, Beth *Smiling* Just wanted to wish you and yours a happy, safe and blessed to 2013.
Thankful for you!
Xo