Oh gracious Savior,
Above all else at Christmastime, I thank you for willingly coming down from your heavenly throne to walk among us and experience life in a fallen world. Thank you for loving your people so deeply that you chose to show us the way to your kingdom. Thank you for opening the door to freedom and salvation through your life, death, and resurrection, Jesus.
Lord, you know my heart’s longing to be a mother. You know the pain and emptiness I feel, especially around the holidays. I ask that you strengthen my heart and give it rest, Lord. Open my eyes to see the gracious gifts you have lavished upon me, and increase the gratitude in my heart.
Please equip me through your Spirit to resist the lies that you don’t love me, or that you love others more than me, or that I’m being punished. It’s challenging to watch everyone else buy presents for their children, take family pictures, send out family Christmas cards, and enjoy the holiday season when I cannot. Cast the negative and bitter thoughts from my heart, and show me what it means to rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom. 12:15) while I wait.
Oh Father, how I wish for a child in my arms. I’d give back all the Christmas presents under my tree if I could just hold that baby. Though I may be crushed and feel the weight of uncertainty, I declare that through your strength I will not be overcome by fear and anxiety. I trust you and know that you are not slow in fulfilling your promises (2 Peter 3:9). I know that nothing is impossible with you, God (Matt. 19:26).
This Christmas, I want to immerse myself in the truth that you are Immanuel, “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). How easily I forget that you are with me always. What a marvelous truth to receive: That because you are with me, every resource of heaven is at my disposal. Oh Lord, what a testimony to your unending love for me! Nothing can separate us (Rom. 8:39), so how could I ever doubt you?
Releasing myself to your sovereign will isn’t easy, Lord. But in confidence and trust, I give myself to you with a heart of readiness and obedience. I know that through this season I will experience you in ways I never have — and I want to be excited and not cynical.
Lord Jesus, though my arms are empty this Christmas, may my heart overflow abundantly in love for you. Give me peace and contentment with my circumstances; remind me that your grace is enough. I will treasure you my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).
In your precious name I ask these things, Jesus. Amen.
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Cover photo used with permission by Hernan Sanchez on Unsplash
amen amen amen
This is a beautiful prayer, Meredith. Thank you so much for posting.