It’s almost Christmas time, Lord, and we confess to You that although
our agenda calls for us to zone land,
clarify codes,
revise police wages, and
regulate animal slaughter,
far more important things occupy our hearts and minds today.
Some of us will sit here making silent plans for loud celebrations
when grandchildren or grandparents show up at our doors.
Some will be pondering just what gift to buy for someone they love, and we’re beginning to panic a bit, Lord, because we realize
how little time remains for us to get all that done.
Most of us have multiple obligations during these days, Lord.
Our calendars are crammed with holiday events, so we are
silently praying today for a short meeting with a minimum of
fussing so we can get out of here with time to tend to other duties.
For most of us this is a holy season, Lord—a time for us to renew
our faith as we marvel once more at Your grace.
In contrast to the eternal truths that give meaning to these special
days, the weightiest items on today’s agenda seem petty.
We find ourselves eager to dispose of them quickly, Lord, so that
we may get on with the business of the season.
So You will understand, Lord, that while we pray for Your blessings
today during this meeting,
our deeper desire is for Your blessings to rest upon our city as we
pause once more to celebrate the wonder of Christmas.
Through
the