God of love and grace, it is very close now. Close to the celebration of the greatest event in the history of this world. Slow me down so I won't rush the next three days. I don't want to miss it.

Help me celebrate. I want to enjoy every moment of fellowship and tenderhearted moments with all who will be the inner circle of my Christmas this year.

Oh God, I don't want to miss it. Help me have your sweet peace. Help me have joy in the giving and receiving of gifts, in the laughter of my kids, my extended family and my family of choice.

Oh God, I don't want to miss it. Help me to entertain and be entertained. Help me visit friends and receive friends. Help me move in my circle of friends with a grateful heart.

Oh God, I don't want to miss it. I have been here before. I have celebrated Christmas, gone to the parties and joined in the festivities of the season.

And I confess that sometimes I have missed it. I have missed your call to join shepherds, kings, animals and angels as they stop everything to celebrate the most incredible event the world has ever known.

Slow me down. Bring me to the place where Christ is born. Not the place He was born way back when; but the place He will be born today, in my heart so I will pause long enough to hear again the good news that Christ has come. "For unto you (and unto me) is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord."

Amen