I could feel the pressure was rising in my chest, thanks to my pre-holiday anxious heart. I took a deep breath and sat down to write out my long list of to-do’s when I remembered how I had been here before.
I thought about the year I ended up sitting on the floor in my bedroom closet on Christmas day, wondering why I felt so empty. After reading the Christmas story, and journaling my thoughts, I ended up writing a prayer that day, that helps calm my heart and experience more of Christ leading up to Christmas. Each year, I put it up in our home and on my desk, and this year I wanted to share it here with you.
{Thanks to a friend, it’s also available to hang in your home or give to family and friends this year, too!}
The Manger of My Heart
This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Fill me with your presence, from the very start.
As I prepare for the holidays, and gifts to be given,
Remind me of the gift You gave,
when you sent Your Son from Heaven.
The first Christmas gift, the greatest gift ever,
You came as a baby born in a manger.
Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,
Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.
This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Search me and know the most intimate parts.
Reveal to me if I have ever hung a sign within,
Claiming it off limits, implying “no room at the Inn.”
Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,
when He left the riches of Heaven
and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Emmanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
As angels announced, “Into your darkness,
God brings His Light.”
“Do not be afraid,” they said, to shepherds in the field.
Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.
Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to your call.
Casting distractions and worries aside,
to You I surrender them all.
Surround me with Your presence, Lord,
I long to hear your voice.
Clear my mind of concerns and all the holiday noise.
Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.
In the midst of parties and planning,
I want to feel Your hush.
This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.
Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.
Dwell within and around me,
as I unwrap Your presence each day.
Keep me close to You, Lord.
It’s in your wonderful Name I pray.
~Renee Swope, Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.
The Manger of My Heart Prayer & Art Print
Thanks to a gifted friend, you can now purchase this prayer to hang in your home, put on your desk, or give to friends and family this Christmas. And we’re offering a 10% discount through November 10th! Click here to purchase
Here are some frames I love that I ordered from Amazon. They’re such great prices and come in the three sizes we have of the Christmas Prayer.