Countdown to Christmas. Day 22.

Lord Most High,
Reflection and anticipation have marked this day. Remembering what you've done for us through Jesus Christ is astounding, yet sometimes sadly overshadowed by the urgency of commitments and the tyranny of shopping lists. Your holy day is now--too often--just a holiday.

 May every gift exchanged, each song sung, all the errands run and any dollars spent for Christmas be about marking the date with sober awareness of the incredible mercy and grace you have shown us in sending your Only Begotten Son. Amen.