This time of year reminds us of the miracle that happens when truth and light and love travel millions of miles through time and space to reach us again.  Darkness makes lights and stars twinkle.

This advent remember what makes you shine.  And, then shine or twinkle, or dance like a little star, or stare like a bewildered shepherd, or sing like a happy angel.

Christmas preparedness 101: Arise, shine! For your light has come.

Prayer:  May the tasks and lists and projects of this season not stand between us and the light.  Help us all to shine O God.  Amen.

–Barb Wilkins-Crowder

John 1:16
…we have all received, grace upon grace.
Holy and Divine Creator, we thank you for the gift of grace, the eternal spark that was brought into this world through the life of Jesus. Help us today and every day to remember that if we hold on to the spark alone, it will fade and fizz. Help us to remember to share the spark, share the light with all of creation. This is the prayer of Christmas. Amen.
— Angie Combs

Luke 1:30-33

God, open our hearts so we are ready for the messengers you may send to us. Help us to find your message in a world that needs it more than ever.
—Erik Mason

God, Help us to believe in your presence in our lives even when we are, indeed, scared stiff. Remind us the scripture and the dilemma that Mary faced and help us to hear that assurance that the Holy Spirit is near. Amen

–Rosemary Campbell

O Source of All Light, inspire us to reflect that light to our communities bringing rays of peace and justice to our world.
—Valerie Kline

Isaiah 11:6
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

This is the season of hope, joy, peace, love, and Christ. A time to remember all that we have to be thankful for, and to hug our loved ones a little bit closer. This is Christmas. So it doesn’t matter whether you feel like the kid or the leopard, and it doesn’t matter if you think about this on a national scale or just in an aspect of your life, we should all try a little harder to follow the child that is leading us.

Dear God, let us all take a moment to remember that it doesn’t matter whether someone is a lamb or a lion, we are all made from your love.
—Alie Wilkins-Crowder

John 1: 1-5, 14, 16
The Christmas story…is a story about letting down our defences, our logic, our fears that keep us from connecting and allowing something pure and grace filled and shining to fill us and heal us.

My prayer today is a prayer that you might be filled, healed, connected, desirous and wondering, and that you too might make the leap of faith. Amen.

— Charisa Hunter-Crump

Luke 2: 6-7
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The miracle of birth can happen anywhere. Jesus was born in an unusual place, but he was born in his home because his home was wherever God was, and God was right there, always.

Dear God, please help me to feel at home, no matter where I am, as you will be where ever I am. Amen.

— April Rollins

So just for a moment, just stop!
Turn off the constant thoughts just for a few moments.
Reflect on just being and not constantly doing.
Inhale that deep breath of gratitude for the measure of your days here.
Inhale the love of family and friends.
Embrace your unique impact in the world.
Amen and Amen

— Mark Bails

Matthew 1: 24-25
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Dear God,
We spend so much of our energy being guided by “what will others think?” Help us listen more closely to “what will God think?” Help us be people of intense faith, welcoming the outcast, affirming all people’s value, and listening to anyone who is different, so that we may discern God’s voice in whatever disguise it takes on.
Amen

–Sandy Bish,  who writes: “Many of my East Indian friends have arranged marriages. So did my maternal grandparents. I’m guessing that Joseph and Mary’s engagement was arranged.”

Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said,‘ My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour…

Mary relied on and trusted in God.

God: I give thanks for your presence with me today and always.
May my trust in you continue and grow with each new day!
Amen.

— Marcie Geissinger

Luke 1:39-42 – Mary & Elizabeth

God of the world, of fear and of hope, may we remember in this Christmas season, that the most precious gift often comes from the most unexpected places.

— Angie Combs