To-Do lists help us break life into small steps.” Randy Pausch
The Christmas Holidays are always a busy time of year. I don’t know about you, but I have a calendar of events and a long To-Do list that keeps me running. I’m busy with decorations, shopping, gifts, and holiday celebrations. This year, I wanted to be intentional about reading God’s scriptures and praying during the season, so I decided to add seven scriptures and prayers to my To-Do list.
It is easy with all the holiday lists and plans to miss the reason for Christmas, which is about the birth of God’s Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope, and joy. With all the chaos, fake news, and devastation in the world today, the Birth of Jesus is worth celebrating, it brings LIGHT!
Prepare your heart for Christmas with scripture and prayer by adding one to your TO-DO list for eight days. You will be surprised how you will focus on Christmas differently.
Day One – Scripture “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and “wrapped him in swaddling cloth” and “laid him in a manager,” because there was no place in the end.” Luke 2:6-7 (ESV)
Day One – Pray You would not get distracted by the holiday season/celebrations, shopping, and giving, but you would focus on and celebrate what Christmas is about. The Birth of Jesus.
Day Two – Scripture “And suddenly there was with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying” “Glory to the God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14 (ESV)
Day Two – Pray You will experience the peace that Jesus came to bring, and you can only receive it through HIM.
Day Three – Scripture “And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:10 (ESV)
Day Three – Pray that you, your loved one, and every person on earth will experience the joy of Christmas.
Day Four – Scripture “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government, there will be peace and no end. On the throne of and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from time forth and forever more.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)
Day Four – Pray that you will be in amazement and astonishment at the power of Jesus.
Day Five – Scripture “And Mary said. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in my Savior, for he has looked on the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed, for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49 (ESV)
Day Five – Prayer Praise God for how he is using you in your life and with victories and challenges.
Day Six -Scripture “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (ESV)
Day Six – Pray Thank God that He gave us the greatest gift of all at Christmas – Salvation through Jesus.
Day Seven – Scripture “For behold your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing is impossible with God.”
Day Seven – Pray Your faith and trust will continue to grow, as you see God move in powerful ways in your life and the lives of others.
Day Eight – Scripture “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against these things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22 (ESV)
Day Eight – Pray Your heart and home be filled with the fruit of the Spirit this Christmas and every season throughout the year.
Reading God’s scriptures and praying specific scripture to him is a way to worship God. Thanking him for his greatest gift. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. During our planning for the holidays, we are keeping the true meaning of Christmas on our daily TO-DO list.
Let us Rejoice and Remember the true meaning of Christmas – the celebration of God’s ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.
Action: Select five days in December, ( Bonus – extra day) write the scripture and prayer on your To-Do list.
Reflection: Journal about your experiences remembering the true meaning of Christmas through scripture and prayer.