Praying over the decorations on the tree!

Now, We see through a glass darkly. I am grateful, as I look over the decorations on the tree that they remind me to pray for myself and for others in this season. Because of the soreness of my soul in this season, it pricks me to stay in prayer as my heart longs to be with my family members over the holiday season. My seasonal allergies are sensorious and emotional;unfortunately, but truly the season includes the attending some pity parties. {I don't plan them, but sadly have very little defense against their invitations} I miss family and dear ones that are departed and my heart is often weighted with the sadness of these losses and griefs amidst the festivities and lights of the season. I long for greater control of these emotions, but they lead me to pray as I look at and on the decorations of the season. As we take the Christmas tree out and put the items on it, I pray for the people that the decorations remind me of and glory in the reality that "The True Emmanuel" is with us by faith as we celebrate Him in these psalms and hymns and decorations and gifts.

Today it is the shiney Christmas Ball. Lord, as I see my reflection in the ball and my heart reminisces to the childhood memories of festive carefree love, bless each of the siblings and cousins who danced with me to the Jackson 5 and Johnny Mathis and my mommy who must have her memories jarred by the lights and tinsel, as well. Bless my children with good memories of these days of rejoicing in the Greatest Gift that You Gave, Your only begotten Son! Bless us to be renewed in faith by knowing that You are present as we turn our minds and thoughts to You for grace to bless others with gifts also. Help us not to judge our time by our reminiscences too harshly, but to direct our childrens' thoughts to the one who sanctifies every festivity with His presence. Give us grace to be the directors of the next generation to want to know Him, because of the desire and need of Him that they see in us. Help us to remember that You love us and to be agents of love to others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.