All I want for Christmas…

Dear Lover of Prodigals,

All I want for Christmas…

…is the return of my prodigal.

Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home. Would you set him free from his addictions. Cause her to choose not to live with her boyfriend. May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas.

For so many years I asked for just such gifts—for many Christmases. Probably you have as well.

A couple of helpful thoughts that helped me through those years:

God knows the yearnings of your heart. He knows exactly what you want for Christmas. And He is so willing for you to ask, to be honest, to cry out. So don’t be afraid to tell Him how your heart aches, about your fears for your loved ones, about your concerns for your other children, about how overwhelmed you feel at this time meant for celebration.
At the same time, remember that His answers almost always look so different, and have such later timing, than our requests. We can’t understand what He is doing—He tells us His ways are above ours. Yet Scripture tells us repeatedly that He knows and understands and is filled with compassion for our pain.

He has given us many wonderful promises that enable us to express our love for and trust in Him—and see His faithful responses. Just read and meditate on these words from God:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“ (Matt. 6:33)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28-29)

So for this Christmas, I join you in asking God for miracles in the lives of your prodigals. But I also ask that He will help you to seek Him first and enable you to experience His peace and freedom from fear and deep rest in Him.

May His blessings overflow you this Christmas season.
by Judy Douglass — Used with permission

If a relationship with God is something you crave, it can start here and now. God cares far less about your words than the attitude of your heart. So tell Him what you’re thinking. Here is suggestion:

Sample prayer:

God, I believe that you created me to know you. Thank you for sending your son Jesus, as a sacrifice to pay the penalty that I deserve. I believe that his death and resurrection has restored me to you. Please forgive me for everything that has offended you. Take first place in my life and help me become the person that you created me to be.

Sample prayer:

Dear God, today I bring you my life, my hopes, my dreams, my deepest yearnings … You know me intimately. You knew me even before I was formed in the womb. You called me into this world to do good and live the life I was uniquely and specifically created for. I ask for Courage and Wisdom to live this life–the life of my dreams. Show me where to start and help me be open to hearing your Voice today. I ask for a greater consciousness of your Presence, today and every day of my life. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, we would love to hear from you. If you want to learn more about the Christian life, we can connect you with a mentor (by email) and send you some helpful reading materials.

by Judy Douglass
Used with permission

Judy Douglass – As the wife of Steve Douglass, the President of Campus Crusade for Christ Int’l, Judy has become a leader among women. Although she is more comfortable reading a book with her bare feet propped up in her den Judy says “My main job is the care of our staff members,” says Judy, “to encourage them and be an advocate for them.”

As a gifted writer Judy had earlier become the founding editor of the Worldwide Challenge magazine and she is also a gifted speaker.
http://www.worldwidechallenge.org/