A Christmas Prayer

"(I pray...) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might"

- Paul, Ephesians 1:17-19

The holiday season is usually a mixed bag for me emotionally. So much joy...so much junk! In the past I've found myself slightly cynical as the month of December begins to unfold, but this year things are different. God has been gracious to teach me that in a world where most things are out of my control, He has empowered me with the endowment of willful response. I can choose to see beauty in the brokenness and acknowledge it. In the midst of the insanity I can be a voice of peace and a hand of healing. The incarnation is a glorious miracle that continues to transform lives as I release my own life to the dreams of God. That really is "good news".

As a way of both recognizing and sharing the beauty most people miss during this season I'd like to send us out on assignment. As you move through your day try to be open to the subtle slivers of glory all around, and when you see them share it with us here in the comments. There's nothing like beauty to stir us to be more beautiful.

May Paul's prayer become a banner blessing over us all as we call out the beauty all around us...Merry Christmas.