As we continue the celebration of Christmas over the next Twelve Days, here is a prayer composed especially for Monday evening and the rest of the week … after the last present has been opened and the last pot or pan has been cleaned, make some time for this prayer:
“The Christmas Day marathon is run, Lord! Somehow we’ve made it to this evening (and into the week) and for that we are grateful. We have survived all the hype, spent a lot money, let huge expectations rule the day, and finally made it through all the anticipation and build-up. Between the cleaning up and settling down, between the trips to catch the sales and debating if we will return the gifts we really don’t need – give us the gift of some quiet time tonight and this week to ponder what this was all about: a baby born two thousand years ago, whose life and words and death gave rise to faith, to hope, to mercy, and to love… Help us keep it simple, Lord, help us keep the Christmas story and its message as simple as it truly is. Over the Twelve Days of this holy season, draw us back to the beginning, to the time when you had nothing except your Mother’s love, the shepherds’ awe, and the angels’ song of praise. Let something simple settle in our hearts, Lord, giving rise to love and hope and faith in you and in your care for us. Amen.”
