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  “Mary treasured up all these things (about her son, Jesus), pondering them in her heart” Lk.2:19. “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! But only one thing really matters” Lk.10:41.

 

   Lord Jesus, you are truly “ponder-worthy.” There so much more of your beauty, goodness, and truth for us to behold and savor. Not after our holiday preparations are over, but right now as our primary preparation. Choosing between “worried and upset over details,” and being smitten and grateful for who you are, shouldn’t be that difficult. But it often is.

We don’t know if our family gathering will feel more like a Hallmark Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” But with our gaze set on you (Heb.12:2), our hearts filled with “things above” (Col.3:1), and our thoughts in joyful-captivity to you (2Cor.5:10), we’ll see your hand and heart at work.

Grant us hope for our prodigals, mercy in the messes, and kindness for everybody. From eternity, through your incarnation, and now from the throne of grace—you are near the brokenhearted and patient with the “pig-headed.” Good Samaritans and bad characters, lepers and liars, tax collectors up a tree (Zacchaeus) and Pharisees in the dark (Nicodemus), “bruised reeds” (Isa.42:3) and “sons of thunder” (Mk.3:17)—you welcome us all.

Jesus, we want to rest and rejoice in you, period. Then, help us find great joy in loving and serving whoever’s in front of us. Free us from “needing” anybody or anything to be different. You are Immanuel—with us and for us, and that’s all that matters. So Very Amen.

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