“His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6) Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. (Prov. 17:1); “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! But only one thing really matters, and Mary chose it.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Lord Jesus, it’s Monday of “Christmas week.” With much yet to be done, help us choose Mary’s posture over Martha’s frenzy. Be our portion and treasure—the focus of our gaze and the joy of our hearts. For you aren’t just the “reason-for-the-season,” but the very meaning, center, and joy of our existence.
May your welcoming, kind, gracious heart permeate our hearts. Grant us mercy for our prodigals, grace in our brokenness, and compassion for one and all alike. Jesus, as quietly as you came into our world, bring your gentling presence into this week.
May “good news of great joy” trump every other storyline we’d write for this week. We’ve made our plans; but gladly, we say, “Have your way, Jesus.” The Gospel is always more messy, fun, and beautiful than anything we can pull off. If our family picture looks more like a “Charlie Brown Christmas” than a “Currier and Ives” photo shoot… as long as you are there, Hallelujah, and so be it.
Jesus, you came to serve us, from your manger to the cross—and now from your throne of grace. May we find great joy this week in serving whoever is in front of us. Free us from every “need” for anybody or anything to be different. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.