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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

A Christmas Prayer

Several years ago, I wrote a Christmas prayer to help keep my heart where it needs to be. Each December I put it somewhere in my home where I’ll see it often – to remind me of what matters most. And each year, I share it here with you, my blog readers, in case you’d like to pray it, 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.
Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,
when He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
And 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.
Setting 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.

© 2012, Renee Swope

www.ReneeSwope.com

*******

 

Christmas Prayer PDFs (simply click on the words/links below):

Comments

  2. Renee, that poem touched my heart in so many ways and was just perfect for me today of all days. I’m a new follower of your page on FB as well as your website. Being a single mother of 11 years I’ve struggled with fitting in at church and felt very much as if I was not good enough or accepted by other women due to being single and divorced.
    This morning I sent out a request for prayer as I decided to follow God’s plan for me to start a single mom’s ministry as well as support group for women and hopefully it will lead to girls and teens who have suffered from sexual abuse of any type.
    As I read your biography, your words about being paralyzed by fear for 10 years I literally dropped my jaw and gasped out loud. Those have been my exact words to my friends and family recently as to why I haven’t started this before. Just as pursuing my passion for paining vintage windows which I just started a few months ago…sharing them with others was one of the most frightening things I’ve ever done and I still struggle with the worry of rejection from them.
    Thank you so very much for all that you do and for being such an amazing gift in my life and so many others as you share God’s word and love.
    Sincerely.

  3. This is a beautiful prayer and reminder about what Christmas is all about and why we are here – thank you. Grace is something I definitely need everyday! This will be the first Christmas for me and my children since my husband walked out on us. I can’t begin to describe what he put us through. Losing the marriage you fought so hard for, seeing the pain it has caused your children – and the waste of the incredible spiritual gifts God has given to my (ex) husband which he has turned his back on – it is heartbreaking. But I have no doubt that God is sovereign and works all things for good. I rely on His mercy, strength and grace everyday to not only survive – but to thrive – and to help my children do the same (we are all a work in progress everyday)! Thanks to all at P31 for the way you use God’s love to uplift women everyday. I feel called to do the same thing someday – just not sure how yet 🙂 Thanks again.

  4. This has been a difficult year and sometimes it has been a total struggle to go from day-to-day — much less have a confident heart.

    I loved your concept of “the manger of my heart” — somehow that idea really spoke to me and makes things seem more manageable and possible. It is more instructive than other phrases that get thrown around this time of year like ” having the Christmas spirit”.

    You are so right –Jesus was and is the perfect gift… are we ready to receive Him ??

    thank you for your writing…

    Sue F.

  5. Renee this is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. Christmas the coming of Christ to die for me became so real as if it has not been. Thanks again.

  7. This has been a blessing to me. Every day as I take a moment to read your devotions shared with us, has helped me obtain strength and peace through my daily struggles. This past year has been tremendously difficult, but His presence in our lives is a gift we can open every day of the year, reminding us that through those struggles He is the peace that surpasses all understanding through those struggles. Thank you Lord.

  10. I thank God for leading me to your website. It is truly a blessing! i would love to have a download of The Christmas Prayer. Thank you.

  11. Your poem was exactly what I needed this morning! I would love to have a printable copy to share with others this Christmas. Thank you and God bless.

  14. I would love to receive a downloadable copy of The Christmas Prayer. Please let me know how. Thank you.

  15. Thank you for allowing me to get a copy of your beautiful words reminding me to keep Jesus in the manger of my heart. I do plan to frame your poem, so I will be reminded to do just that this Christmas. Pray I will be still enough to hear that sweet hush of his Holy Spirit in my spirit. Pray I will not only show myself Grace, but also those who depend on me. My sweet grandmother who lives with me and has alzeheimer’s, my dear daughter and new baby who live with us, along with my sweet 16 yr old daughter and my sweet husband. God Bless you and your family. Merry Christmas.

  16. This is beautiful and as a visual person, I love the idea of having it posted to remind me often that our heart preparation is the most important preparation of all. Please send me the down load.
    Thank you and have a blessed Christmas!
    Becky

  17. It’s a beautifuL poem.I’m so blessed while reading.Thanks for sharing.How can i download the copy of this poem.Shalom! Blessings.

  18. Thank you Renee, for the beautiful gift of the meaning of Christmas in your prayer. I would very much like to download it to have and share with family/friends, if you can send it to me, please.
    Sincerely,
    Kathy

  19. That is a beautiful poem! I am already a subscriber, but would love to be able to download the copy of your poem.
    Thanks,

  20. I have decided to give this poem as a gift to my co-workers instead of something store bought. Thank you for sharing your poem with us. I pray that it would touch the hearts of many. Please send me a printable copy. Thanks.

  22. I can’t seem to find this in my prior e-mails. I know I posted for the giveaway, but would like a printable copy of the prayer. The season gets so crowded out and this will bring focus for sure.

  23. So I woke up early this morning. Like 2.5 hours early & I just wanted to roll over & go back to sleep, but I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to get up & enjoy this EXTRA LONG quiet time with the Lord with hot coffee & devotions in a room lit only by the Christmas tree. I’m so glad I did. Your P31 devo was wonderful & the Christmas Prayer is beautiful. I can’t wait to frame it & use it every Christmas. My favorite part is that His presence is our present to unwrap & enjoy every single day of the year! God Bless you & Merry Christmas!

  25. I would love a copy of your prayer. I think you were hiding behind the couch last night when I was talking to my husband about this very topic! God uses you and Prov. 31 ministries in amazing ways in my life! Thanks.

  26. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story of Grace! I would love to have a copy of your poem!
    Merry “Christ” mas!

  27. Love the prayer!!! I would very much like to be able to download it and share with my Sunday School class. Thank you so much for all the beautiful and inspirational messages. Proverbs31 speaks to my heart.

  28. Thank you for that Christmas prayer. I just discovered your writing and website. I think you have a lot to say that can speak to my heart. Thanks so much for sharing.

  29. On Nov 14, 2011 my husband came home and announced that he no longer wanted to be married and wanted a divorce. I had no idea this was coming. Since that time he has come around now and then and last Thursday I asked him if he was ever planning on coming home. He said he was but didn’t say when. It is now Tuesday and I have not heard one word from him. My husband believes but does not have a relationship with the Lord. I have been praying that God would restore our marriage but I am on this crazy emotional roller coaster and see no sign of an answer. I am so tired, worn down and numb. I am trying very hard to just keep my eyes on the Lord but there are times I just wish my husband were there. PLEASE pray, So confused and hurt ;-(

    • Im so very sorry Debbie. I cannot imagine the pain and confusion you are feeling. I know you must feel so alone but I want you to know YOU ARE NOT. God’s word says that HE is near to the brokenhearted. Your husband is obviously not seeking Jesus and loving you the way God wants him to love you as his wife,.No matter what, what your heart needs to know and remember is that Jesus loves you with all His heart and He is the refuge you need to find peace in this storm. I”m praying you will seek Him with all your heart and soak your mind in the truth and promises of the unconditional, never-failing love God has for you.

  31. Thank you so much, Renee, for doing this. I am printing a bunch out and buying nice picture frames and giving them as gifts with your book!

    Merry Christmas to everyone!

    • Aww, I love that idea Kathy!! Thank you for giving my book as a gift too. That blesses me so much to know you are doing that!!

  32. Renee, I pray that God continue to use you mightly to encourage others. God Bless you and your family always. Keep those prayers coming, they are surely a blessing.

    Mary

  33. Renee: I love this! I did get the email, but cannot seem to get the printable link to work. I tried the 4×6 and the 5×7. Thanks!!

    • So sorry Heather. Did you double click on the words of the link download to get it to open? I also sent it to myself, and it worked when I did that. Do you have ADOBE?

      • Hi Renee….I’m also having trouble accessing the pdf files. I do have adobe but when I click on the file I get a “page not found” message. Thx.

  34. Renee thank you so much for sharing this. I am having difficulty try to pull up the 4×6 link. Could you please email it to me? Thank you again for all that share with us!

    • Hi Erin, can you tell me what is happening so we can see how we might fix it? Also, do you have Adobe? I believe you have to have it to open PDFs but you can download it free.

  35. I love this prayer. I signed up to get a link so i could print it. I received the link, but it isnt working on my computer. Any suggestions?

    • Did you double click on the word of the download to get it to open? I believe you also have to have Adobe to open PDFs but you can download it free. Could that be the problem? If so, I can see if I can send it to you in MS Word, too.

    • Did you double click on the words of the link download to get it to open? I believe you also have to have Adobe to open PDFs but you can download it free. Could that be the problem? If so, I can see if I can send it to you in MS Word, too.

      • Hi Renee, Im nor sure what is wrong. I downloaded adobe and it still isnt working. When I click on the link, another tab opens as if its goin to work but then it says blank or error. Would you please try to send it to me again in MS Word. Thank you.

  36. I would love to send a copy of your prayer to family and friends at church. I love thoughts and prayers, and poems …thank you for being a blessing. Catherine Marshall (wife of Peter Marshall) wrote a book years ago on her thoughts and prayers that I just love to read. Helen Steiner Rice is a great writer also.
    Wish we could all sit down and just share the joys of Christmas over Hot Coca.

  38. Thanks for the prayer . This would make a great gift printed on special paper. Merry CHRISTmas. <

  40. I love your prayer! I already subscribe to your email updates so how can I find a PDF copy of prayer? I love the idea of a Christmas Prayer! <3 <3

  43. God’s timing is ever perfect. I just got off the phone with a friend sharing with her my struggles and asking her to pray for me. I checked my fb and yours was the first post in my news feed. I so needed that. Thank you, Lord, for your perfectness in all things…and thank you, Renee for your precious words!

  44. Renee,
    Thank you, thank you! My soul has been in such turmoil here of last, and I was praying just this morning telling God about all the distractions that are going on within. And as always, just like Jesus, he gives me what I need. And today, he used YOU to speak calmness into my soul. I praise God for your love and obedient heart:) This is such a precious gift…

    Blessings to you, my friend! And Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  45. That is a very beautiful poem! I am already a subscriber, but would love to be able to download the copy of your poem.
    Thanks,
    Merry CHRISTmas!

  46. BEAUTIFUL, I would love to download this prayer as a reminder. You are blessed with a wonderful gift, thanks for sharing.

    Blessings to you and yours. Merry Christmas.

  47. BEAUTIFUL RENEE!!!! How can I download this prayer, I’d like to frame it and give in my baskets 🙂

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with us.

    Blessing!

  48. This is beautiful. Thank you! As stated above you have such an amazing gift of putting words together.

    • May I please receive the instructions to download a copy of the prayer: The Manager of My Heart

      Thank you and many Blessings to you and yours!

      • I just printed this prayer on the computer and if you scroll down far enough you will see the size that it will print. 4 x 6, 5 x 7 or 8 x 10. I just went into the file link and indicated what size I wanted. I hope it works for you. Ginny

The Unwrapped Gift & Christmas Give-away!

In my devotion featured at Proverbs31.org and Crosswalk.com today, I shared about the year I planned for the perfect Christmas and how I almost missed what God had planned for me. Click on the title if you’d like to read “Unwrapping His Christmas Presence.”


My sadness caught me by surprise that day. I thought if I got to be with all of my family eating holiday meals, opening gifts and celebrating, it would be the perfect Christmas. But there was something missing.

When Christmas day came, my house was full yet my heart felt oh-so-empty. It wasn’t until I snuck upstairs and sat in my walk-in closet talking to God and reading my Bible that my mind was quiet enough to untangle my thoughts and process my disappointments.

That afternoon I realized I had been trying to turn my childhood Christmas disappointments into grown-up dreams come true.

You see, my family wasn’t all together for Christmas when I was growing up. My parents were divorced, so we spent our Christmas day with one or the other. Usually after all the gifts were opened and toys were played with, I felt sad as a child and always wondered why. I think I just wanted us to ALL be together. And 25 years later, as an adult, I was sure that getting my wishes was going to give me the perfect Christmas feeling I was trying to create.

I wanted all those longings from long ago to be fulfilled that Christmas day in 1999. Yet the longings were still there because I was looking to something that couldn’t give me what I longed for, not as a little girl or as a grown woman.

What I longed for was the presence of God’s Peace. What I needed was the gift of His perspective. What I craved was a renewed sense of His purpose. But I was so focused on all the people and presents that I honestly forgot to unwrap the most important present- the gift of God’s presence.

Sitting in my closet realizing what had happened, I sensed God saying it wasn’t too late. The gift of His presence was still there, always there, waiting to be unwrapped and enjoyed. So I told Jesus about the longing in my heart and how I needed and wanted Him to fill it. His peace came, washing away my anxiety and disappointment. Reminding me of His forever love and abiding presence. As I shared in my devotion today, it ended up being the perfect Christmas after all.

In the year that followed, a Christmas prayer was birthed in my spirit and ended up on the tip of my pen. By the following December it became my Christmas gift to Him. Today I’d like to share it with you ~


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, Jesus.
It’s in your wonderful Name I pray.

© 2010, Renee Swope ~ www.ReneeSwope.com

(Feel free to print or share this prayer by copying it with copyright and the link to my website please, and then paste into another document.)

**********************************
A “Christ-Centered Christmas Give-away”

  • The ADVENTure of Christmas book
  • Bath & Body Works Mint Chocolate Candle
  • Bath & Body Works festive candle holder
  • Unwrapping His Presence message on DVD
  • Rest Assured message on CD
  • $5 Starbucks Gift Card
**********************************

Enter to win by giving the gift of encouragement and His Christmas Presence:


1) Send a copy (or link with today’s post & Christmas prayer) to a friend, co-worker, pastor, women’s ministry leader, family member or neighbor you want to encourage today.

2) Tell someone (via email, twitter or Facebook) about today’s give-away and how they can enter to win here.

3) Send today’s devotion, Unwrapping His Christmas Presence, to help someone find or keep Christ in their Christmas.

4) Click on the word “comments” below to tell me if you did one, two or all three! Each time you do, you will be entered to win!

5) Describe your perfect Christmas if you could have one for another chance to win.

Check back Friday morning for more Christmas encouragement, another holiday give-away and the name of our winner! If you’d like to be notified you can sign up in my sidebar for email updates, follow me in Google connect, or friend me on Facebook!

Comments

  1. I am sharing your Christmas poem to members of my extended family,hoping they can experience a truly blessed Christmas with the right heart…

  2. I sent a copy of the Christmas prayer and the devo to several of my friends!!!

    I linked your post on facebook!

    My favorite Christmas memories are camping out under the tree with my brother! As far as my idea of a perfect Christmas… It's being thrown out the window this year. I end up feeling the same way you described in this post every single year!!! Not this year!!!!

    Melissa C

  3. plan to share your poem with my women's group at our Christmas gathering. thanks!
    michelle in seattle

  5. My perfect Christmas…there are so many pictures that run through my mind of that…caroling, sitting around a fireplace reading the Christmas story….enjoying one another…

    I have learned that nothing lines up with my "dream Christmas"…I can relate to your "revelation"…So…my perfect Christmas would be to be at peace with an awareness of His presence with me…

  6. I'm sharing your poem as a note on my facebook page, copying it to share with my Bible Study later this week, and then emailing it, with some winter pictures to my family. The perfect Christmas-is the one I celebrate only focusing on the Christ Child, and not all the trappings. There yet-no

  10. I've been awake since 2 am, praying for everyone situation on my heart and the ability to get through my to-do list, so your devotional really hit me this morning.

    I have shared it with my Bible study groups, and I encouraged my sisters and mom to stop over to check out the great giveaway!

    My amazing Christmas would be a big snowfall that starts on Christmas Eve and keeps us home on Christmas day. A day to rejoice in Jesus' arrival to save us and a day to enjoy my family with no running around.

  11. I'm sharing this post with my best friend. She is 20 weeks pregnant, an at-home mom of 2 preschool-age boys, and will be losing her own father to cancer sometime over the next few weeks. I can only pray for her, as her struggle is so involved. For her, the perfect Christmas isn't even a battle worth engaging in. I am just praying for peace, and moments for her to reflect on her Savior, and the promise found in the nativity.

    Thank you for your post and devotion. I was blessed.

    Erin
    [email protected]

  13. Thank you for your devotion today and the link to your poem. I really needed it today as I have been struggling with being filled with Christmas joy. It helped me realize I need to refocus on what Christmas is truly about.

    I shared your poem with some family and friends and I forwarded the Proverbs 31 devotion to several friends.

    Thanks for the encouragement today:)

  14. What a blessing It was to read the poem, I actually retrieved your email from the trash, It blessed my heart so much to read It, as a single mom Christmas can be difficult for two daughters and myself. Through the tears I prayed for God to fill me with thankfulness and peace. I also sent the poem, devotion and email to friends, I trust the Lord will touch their heart as well through the poem. May the Lord continue to bless you as you minister to others. Lori Smith [email protected]

  16. As always, your devotion today is so timely and relevant for all of us busy moms trying to make a special holiday for our family and friends. I refuse to let Christ go missing in my Christmas despite all the crazy demands this season puts on us.
    I love that we are reminded, Emmanuel, GOD WITH US! Happy Birthday, Jesus!
    I am forwarding the devotion to several of my friends.

    Aundrea
    [email protected]

  17. I'm also planning to share it with my adult children when we return to the States for our Christmas visit together. May the Lord encourage your heart as you bless others with HIS Word. [email protected]

  18. I have shared this with my Sunday School class and Bunco friends. Thank you for putting this season in perspective for me. It is so easy to get caught up in the preparations and unrealistic expectation. God bless you!
    Karen

  20. A perfect Christmas for me would be to have my Husband, Daughter, and Son gathered around our Christmas decorations and tree near 5AM on December 25th to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus! Read the story "What God wants for Christmas." Then as we begin to open our gifts, we take turns(one at a time) and for each gift opened a blessing is shared among the family! Once all our gifts are opened we exchange hugs/kisses for thankfulness. Our breakfast is not the typical tradition because we eat Red Velvet Cake that has been decorated with, "Happy Birthday Jesus" and every color of sprinkles imaginable(made by my 5 year old Daughter), so yes we eat cake and drink milk for breakfast! I really enjoy seeing my house a mess on Christmas because it is a reminder that God does not intend for our homes to always be neat and tidy rather his desire is for us to build relationships and I know that if I look around on Christmas to see a mess of twisty ties from toys, empty card board boxes, wrapping paper pieces, tissue paper, ripped boxes, and dishes in the sink that I am doing God's will! We would spend the afternoon surrounded by Christmas music until about 4PM when we are catered to a fancy Christmas dinner by my Chef Aunt. This would be a perfect Christmas in my home. Having small children my Husband and I are beginning to create our own family traditions. Some of this we have done in the past but this year we will be adding the tradition of sharing our blessings.

    I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and pray that whatever tradition you and your family consider to be the perfect Christmas that this year be extra special.

  21. I already printed your poem and can't wait to share it with my family. I sent the poem to a good friend from church and also to my "roommate" from the Women's Get-a-Way cruise 2010, whom I had just met when I arrived on the ship! Loved hearing you speak.
    Wendy
    [email protected]

  23. I shared on Facebook, hoping it blesses many today that need an extra dose of encouragement!
    I think my perfect Christmas is spending time with my family and sharing the story of Jesus, especially with my children.

  24. My perfect Christmas would be for everyone I know to be completely aware and acknowledge the true reason for the celebration…the miracle of the birth of Christ.

  28. I am going to print this!!! I hope to frame it! Thank you for sharing…almost got caught in the materials of Christmas this morning but you Prov. 31 gals helped much!!!
    On second snow day…thanking the Awesomeness of God that at 49 I can shovel and then shovel some more! Thank you!! God Bless!
    Carol
    [email protected]

  29. My dream for the perfect is Christmas is waking up early Christmas morning at a little house at the base of a ski hill in northern Michigan that my family has stayed in. We would put on our skis and ski all morning. When I ski, I feel the presence of God in the beauty of his creation. The sparkle of fresh fallen snow, crisp air, the quietness of my surroundings. After skiing, we would all come back to the house, share a "skier's lunch by the fire, enjoy each others company, pray together and open just one gift for each person. Then play games and enjoy the day as a family and be thankful for all that God has blessed us with.
    That is my "perfect" Christmas and has been a dream of mine for years. I hope that some day it will become true.
    Sally
    [email protected]

  30. Thank You Renee,
    Every year I pray for the peace that Christmas is meant to give us rather than what the secular world wants us to do! I have shared this with the incredible women in my bible study. We have been together for ~ 7 years and have grown so much together in our walk with the Lord.
    Sally
    [email protected]

  31. My dream Christmas is when I can be with my parents and my husband and kids opening presents, eating and hanging out together on Christmas day. I plan to share a link on my facebook profile to this website to share the wonderful, inspiring poem you have written. Thank you for sharing and touching hearts!

  32. I shared this with my friend Nancy today….she is a wonderful friend and really needs to see this today…as did I. I have printed the poem out and I am going to include it as part of my quiet time everyday this month. Thank you Renee for reminding all of us what is most important.
    Tonia
    [email protected]

  33. Thank you for sharing your story. I am a Type A personality and have huge expectations for myself. I so related to your story of desiring the perfect Christmas. Thank you for reminding us that any Christmas is perfect as long as we focus on Him.

    Visit Me at A Busy Woman's Life

    http://www.abusywomanslife.com

  34. Thank you for sharing your story. I am a Type A personality and have huge expectations for myself. I so related to your story of desiring the perfect Christmas. Thank you for reminding us that any Christmas is perfect as long as we focus on Him.

    Visit Me at A Busy Woman's Life

    http://www.abusywomanslife.com

  35. A perfect Christmas is a day spent with my family…laughing and playing, forgetting the worries of the world and wrapping myself in their love as we celebrate Christ's birth!

  38. The perfect Christmas:

    The perfect Christmas is happening this year. I have started homeschooling my children this year and for the first time in all the years of our family, our Christmas is Christ centered!!!! We have done an Advent study, reading a book together, studying the Christmas symbols and what they mean – it has been perfect!!!! Our family life is in perfect balance now that Jesus is the center of all we do!!!!!
    Staci Channel

  40. I have shared Unwrapping His Christmas Presence with numerous friends to include family. Especially after a similar experience last year.

    Merry Christmas

  41. I shared the poem with the people in my Christcare group. I forwarded Unwrapping Christmas to the ladies in my email list. A perfect Christmas is one where Christ is glorified. Monica [email protected]

  42. I am sending today's devotional to someone who could use the encouragement. Thank you for encouraging me & so many others!
    Blessings,
    Karen

  43. I just copied and sent your beautiful poem to all the women in my bible study class. I just loved it and pray that it blesses them all as it has me this morning. Thanks for sharing.

    Elaine
    [email protected]

  45. I am sharing this email with my friend and sister-n-law.
    I am thankful that my children know the true meaning of Christmas. My husband and I do not mention the fantasy character and although we were told by other Christians that it is ok to pretend , we strongly disagree. My children all look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus.

  47. I emailed your beautiful prayer to 7 of my favorite ladies (family and friends).I pray that they (and I!) feel the peace of Jesus this season.

    My perfect Christmas would be lots of smiles, laughter, joy, giggles, presents, some good food of course, and the aroma of Christ wafting among us – passed around contagiously with all the hugs.

    May your Christmas be truly blessed and peaceful!

    Maureen F.
    ferguson 5 @ sbc global . net

  48. I am sharing with my friends on Facebook, and am going to copy and paste into an email with my coworkers. Thank you so much for the poem, each year I struggle with ways to really share the true meaning of Christmas with my Family that are not Christians. While I have not come up withthe "perfect gift", I have His peace that this year it will be great and there is no need to stress about it. Thank you again!

    Blessings,
    Marlene
    [email protected]

  49. I shared teh post with my friend at work! She is such a Godly woman and is going through a lot of changes right now as she retires at the end of the year. I pray that your poem will touch her heart as it did mine.