Thursday, December 21, 2023

A Prayer for When Christmas is Hard

 



Dear Lord,


I pray today for the individuals who have loved and lost this year. 


The process of grieving a death or relationship becomes harder to bear with the holidays upon us. Grant your sweet peace, along with moments of true joy for any who are walking in emotional valleys right now.


Thank you for the many years of memories around dinner tables, traditions of past holidays, and the bonds with loved ones who have passed away.  May Your Presence also be felt for those who are in strained, distant relationships. Help us all to navigate the unfamiliar with new special memories, while giving to you our hurt, guilt, and sadness.  


Remind us often of Your goodness and faithfulness, so that the burdens we carry cannot cloud our need to praise you.  Turn our hearts to the baby in the manger, Immanuel, “God With Us”, who came to walk alongside us in all moments. Give rest to the weary, and hope to the hopeless. Awaken our hearts to rejoicing, even in the midst of pain. 



Amen.


Photo by Erica Marsland Huynh on Unsplash


Sunday, December 10, 2023

Reggie’s Christmas Ride


❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️

Not long ago, on a snowy Christmas night, our dog, Reggie, had the ride of his life.
While we went upstairs for our Christmas sleep, he lay on the couch not making a peep.
As the snow gently fell and we laid down in bed, Reggie's ears perked up and he lifted his head.
Was that a jingle and the sounds of reindeer hooves? Reggie looked out the window but did not make a move.
Then right behind him, Santa slipped in. He was pleasant and round with a bearded white chin.
After laying down gifts and gulping milk from his cup, he wondered if Reggie would like to go , "Up"?
The reindeer swiftly moved the sleigh to the lawn. In the Christmas moonlight, Santa AND Reggie boarded on.
Our sweet pup- how he loved this moonlight ride. Under a cozy blanket, he sat by Santa's side.
The Christmas lights twinkled below as the sleigh soared onward in the squalls of snow.
Santa tapped the reins to change the deer's direction. He quickly yelled out, "Boys, we need a course correction!"
"It seems we've forgotten something," he shouted out. "To the workshop right now, before time runs out!"
They passed some of the most marvelous sights to behold. Over top the Rockies, and a bridge that shined like gold.
Swirling ocean currents with peek-a-boo whales... Glaciers, evergreens, and forgotten ski trails.
Before he knew it, Reggie and sleigh were parked in the snow. Santa snuck away, into a house all aglow.
He bounded back out and whistled to rise the deer to flight. Once again, they soared through the starry, magical night.
A few more rooftops, and they made their way back home. Santa brought him down our chimney and scurried up alone.
Daybreak arrived and we all rushed down the stairs. At the end of the couch, our dog lay snoozing there.
Sleep still in his eyes, on the pillow he laid his head. But around his neck was a new collar of red.
Stamped on the charm were the letters "NP". We didn't know their meaning, it was a mystery!
He told us no secrets, nor gave any clues. He slept through the presents and the stockings, too!
Dad read Santa's note, next to the fireside: "Reggie, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas ride."
Then we all looked again, to our sweet canine soul. Reggie had journeyed up to the North Pole!