God of all giving, everywhere we look these days we see signs of festivities. In the grocery store there are sweet treats, lots of meats, and even the aisles are full of tempting things. In yards and in windows we see lights of all colors and of all configurations. We see candles and blow up representations of all that seems to be Christmas celebration.
Each person that we meet seems to be more friendly these days; some of those whom we meet on the street even acknowledge our presence with a friendly seasonal greeting and a nod. Clerks, cashiers, and couriers often can be heard and seen with a smile. It seems that even our least favorite shops and businesses have a new attitude for each of us.
And, while we are thankful for these fresh and new things that we see, we humbly ask that you keep us focused on just why there is a spirit of new hope in much of what we encounter. Don’t allow us to get so comfortable with the seasonal goodwill that we forget that you are at the very center of all that we see and do during this time.
Keep our focus, Lord, on the gift that you have given, give now, and have promised to provide for all eternity. Keep our focus on the child who became the one who gives us all of life and beyond. Keep our focus on the author of joy, of the peace of the season that we experience. Keep our focus on the author of the reason we are festive. Keep our eyes, our ears, our touch, our taste buds, and the smells of the season reminding us of Your Son, our Savior. Keep us focused on Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Written by Colonel, Chaplain Corps US Army (Ret.) Chaplain Rich Cooper, aka “Opa”. Rich Cooper also serves as a Board Member of the Hope Packed Project