Merry Christmas!!!
“25 Days of Living In The Light”
We had one story that did not make it back. We hope that the gift card was used for some kind good in this world. This is what we pray for. The great thing about getting older is that you realize, all boxes will never be checked off. God offers me grace, so we offer it others. Actually in this year, it kind of makes sense that this would happen. God is still with us. The Light shines in the darkness. Maybe even brighter then other years.
I did want to still offer you something to think about. I have been thinking about this for sometime. This gave me a chance to get it down. It is from the story of David and Goliath. Maybe it can give us some tools to make our way through life. That is my hope. Merry Christmas Everyone!!! God’s Peace to you all!!!
The Prayer of the Five Small Stones
Then he took his staff in his hand, reached down and chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in his bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
1 Samuel 17:40
Draw me up the courage to remember that stones are made from the same stuff as stars. The ever expanding universe is within me. The same stars that shown at Christ’s birth, now shines in my heart. Smooth edges, jagged edges, small or large, all stones are made for the glory of God. Help me to remember that I am part of God’s creation, ready to fulfill my divine purpose, handpicked by God in His resounding world.
When evil sets in around me, help me to remember that I am not alone. The same might and skill that David wielded against the giant, God will use in me. There are forces of evil around us the contain deep darkness. We can use a stone to spark a light that cuts through the darkest of night. In the face of formidable foes, the unfailing love of Jesus Christ is with us. God’s amazing promise is that His love will win over death.
Instill in me the knowledge that stones are not just weapons, but tools to build things up. Should I choose to take a stone out of my bag, I pray that it be a reflection of your love. Just as you have chosen me, help me choose wisely the stones that will care for people, to shelter them or to help them along the path. The greatest good that we can do, is to serve others. Everything in this world can be broken. Remind me that your Grace is a refuge that will always protect me. Should I choose to create something, help me to do it to the best of my abilities, remind me that it is for the glory of God and that it should be to the service of others.
The world passes by quickly, and often times we take things for granted. There are special places in the world that we call sacred. Ever since the time of Jacob, when he wrestled with the angle and placed a stone by his head, he called it an alter to the lord. Help us to remember that the true sacred alters are the ones that are contained in our hearts and that the love we share with others, that is the monument to your name. All worldly things will shift like the sand. Help me to remember to stand firmly on that Rock in which I have been redeemed with eternal life.
Lastly, help me to remember that the world holds rhythms of life that constantly unfolding for good. Should I choose to throw a stone, help me to remember that it will create a ripple that no one knows how far it will end. The kindness and love we share with others, will be reflected countless times in this world. We may never see its end or how many lives it has touched. One simple act of love can have a meaningful effect on others. Your love is the force that pushes the rock through the water. Help me to throw it wisely dear God. For your love touches us all.
Amen
