The starting gun has sounded, and we are off and running.
The boxes are opened with decorations beckoning to
be hung; and strings of lights are taunting us
with their tangled mess.
The lists are almost writing themselves
and growing daily – lists for shopping and parties,
cards to send and gatherings to attend.
The expectations are growing, too,
as we pine for what Christmas is supposed to be
and remember what it used to be.
So we run the Christmas dash,
legs churning and feet burning,
thoughts turning and hearts yearning.
Lord, help us not to run past You.
Instead, lead us to the God-moments You have for us:
joyful reunions, healing tears and forgiving words,
the face of need, selfless giving and eternity living.
Give us eyes to see, ears to hear,
and hearts to receive the gifts You have for us.
Most of all, lead us to the Christ child,
to the moment in eternity when
in the flesh our Creator becomes our Redeemer.
Yes, Lord, of all the Christmas presents,
may we receive Your Christmas presence.
The race is on, the dash to Christmas;
may we follow it … to the manger. Amen.
JOHN G. HAMILTON is pastor of First Church, Rochelle, Ill.
