Father, forgive us if we’ve obscured Jesus’ sacrifice as Passover lamb by hanging stuffed lambs on our Christmas trees. May our holiday symbols remind us of the smelly shepherds, sitting out under the stars, watching over sheep destined for temple sacrifice. Was it coincidence that the angels announced the birth of Israel’s Messiah and Your Son to poor and lowly men who fed, watered and cared for the animals destined to die?
Forgive us if we’ve ever lost focus and trivialized Jesus’ birth with holly and bows, with pagan evergreens, electric lights and ornaments.
And thank You, Father, for Jesus and Your Holy Spirit. They join our festivities and help us plan them, just as Jesus made wine at the Wedding of Cana. They are looking always for the cracks in our culture and in our hearts that are open to receive You and Jesus’ everlasting life and love.
Humble us Lord.
