All I Want For Christmas

All I want for Christmas is the return of my member's prodigal.

Lord, please, for Christmas could their child come home? Would you set him free from his addictions? Cause her to choose not to live with her boyfriend? May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices? And, Lord, may they have peace in their family for Christmas.

For many years I have asked for just such gifts for members of my congregation. If you are a pastor you have as well. A couple of helpful thoughts that helped me through those years:

-God knows the yearnings of your heart. He knows exactly what you want for Christmas. And He is so willing for you to ask, to be honest, to cry out. So don’t be afraid to tell Him how your heart aches, about your fears for your loved ones, about your concerns for your other children, about how overwhelmed you feel at this time meant for celebration.

-At the same time, remember that His answers almost always look so different, and have such later timing, than our requests. We can’t understand what He is doing and He tells us His ways are above ours. Yet Scripture tells us repeatedly that He knows, understands, and is filled with compassion for our pain.

He has given us many wonderful promises that enable us to express our love for and trust in Him and see His faithful responses. Just read and meditate on these words from God:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“ (Matt. 6:33)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28-29)

So for this Christmas, I join you in asking God for miracles in the lives of your prodigals. But I also ask that He will help you to seek Him first and enable you to experience His peace and freedom from fear and deep rest in Him.

May His blessings overflow you this Christmas season.