For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. ~2 Cor. 4:6

One of my favorite Christmas season rituals is to wake up early in the morning, turn on only the Christmas tree lights, and drink a cup of coffee next to the tree, in the silence. It’s hard for me to describe what it is about these quiet mornings that I love so much, but I know I look forward to them for months leading up to Christmas. 

I’m the type of person who starts making a list of Christmas gift ideas and all the things to get done before the end of the year in October, so sometimes these intentional times of quiet are really uncomfortable for me. I’d like to say that I spend the quiet time reflecting on God’s love for me, but if I’m honest, most mornings I sit and plan out all of the things I want to get done that day. To help center my mind more on the Advent season, and less on checking things off my to-do list, I’m going to keep this prayer nearby on those quiet mornings:

Oh Creator God,  who makes Light to shine out of darkness,

Thank You for the work You are doing in my life. Let the lights displayed this Christmas season remind me of You as Immanuel, the Light who is always with me. I pray that the same light that drew the magi to the manger, draws people to You this Advent. I ask that you also help draw my heart and mind away from the to-do lists of this season, and back to You, God. When I’m stuck in frustrating check-out lines, or last-minute shopping traffic, will you use Christmas lights to draw my spirit back into alignment with Yours? Help to draw my attention away from the gifts under the tree to the Gifts of the season- You, Jesus, and the Spirit.

Amen.