December 26, 2012
May the blessing of joy abide WITHIN you…
May the blessing of peace rest UPON you…
May the blessing of love flow out THROUGH you…
May all the blessings of the Lord be yours at Christmas and in the new year.
—Unknown
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The gifts I’d leave beneath your tree,
Aren’t those that you can touch or see,
No toys meant just for pointless play,
But gifts to bless you every day.
The gift of friendship warm and true,
Is one that I would leave for you.
Good health and happiness and cheer
To keep you smiling through the year.
The gift of peace that comes from God,
With prayer to guide each path you trod.
And when your heart has lost its song
The gift of hope to cheer you on.
These are the gifts I’d leave for you.
—Kay Hoffman, adapted
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Dear Lord, this Christmastime is radiant with the brilliance of Your greatest gift of love and light. May that light illuminate our hearts and shine in our words and deeds. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. May we share the divine life of Your Son Jesus Christ, even as He humbled himself to share our humanity.—Richard J. Fairchild, adapted
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Teach us to value most eternal things…
To find the happiness that giving brings...
To know the peace of misty, distant hills…
To know the joy that giving self fulfils…
To realize anew this Christmas Day…
The things we keep are those we give away.
—M. D. Winsett
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Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth ... may we begin to see the world in the light of understanding you give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving.—Karen L. Oberst
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Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”—Henri J. M. Nouwen
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God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ.—Wilda English
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May you know the Christ of Christmas as…
The God who sings over you and with you in joy
The God who rejoices over you and with you in love.
The God whose mountains and hills break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of His fields clap their hands
The God who walks beside you, delighting with you as He directs your every step.
May you know this Lord of Love as…
The God who compassionately comforts you as a Father in all your troubles
The God who strengthens your inner man by His Spirit that is always with you.
The God who is your strength, your refuge, and a very evident and present help.
The God who is your shield and protection when you are under attack.
The ever-present God who is eternally your peace.
—Unknown
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May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
—Ada V. Hendricks
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As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore be led by Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare,
At that manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
—William Chatterton Dix
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Another year to love Him
Whom I have loved so long;
Another year to praise Him
In glad, triumphant song.
Whate’er the future holdeth
Of sorrow, toil, or pain
His precious Love endureth
Forevermore the same.
Another year with Jesus!
I thank Thee, Lord, today
For Thy unfailing presence
Along life’s rugged way.
Guide me, O blest Redeemer,
Teach me to do Thy will,
And Thine own perfect purpose
In me each day fulfill.
—Avis Christiansen
Published on Anchor December 2012. Read by Simon Gregg. Music taken from the Christmas Moments album. Used by permission.
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