"Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen."

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11

Dear Lord, in this season of giving and getting I so easily overlook Your gifts to me. Thank You for so many reasons to celebrate.

Thank You for a future filled with hope because it rests in Your hands. For peace of mind when I keep my eyes on You. For joy beyond all my circumstances.

I'm grateful for what I often take for granted. For a place to live, clothing, food, and all the good things that You daily provide.

Thank You for the beauty of Your creation. For sunny days, majestic sunsets, twinkling stars. What a wonderful world You've created.

I appreciate those people You've put into my life who know my faults yet still love me. Thank You for their love and support.

Thank You for being with me in life's trials, drawing me closer to Yourself. Teaching me to trust You more each day.

How drab, how empty life would be without all these gifts.

Most of all, dear Lord, thank You for coming to this earth, to live, to love, to die, to live again.

Thank You for becoming a man, closed in by a body that got tired and worn like mine, that suffered on the cross for me.

Thank You for promising that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And through receiving You I may know You now and someday live in the Father's House forever.

O, Lord, thank You for all Your gifts to me.

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. - 2 Corinthians 9:15