All is Calm, All is Bright

Well…here we are, close to the anticipated Day. It is the most amazing thing to anticipate the coming of a special event or occasion. So much planning, so many details to attend. What goes off perfectly without a hitch? Well, I will tell you…

The eve of the birth of the Christ Child, everything leading up to it…and after – went off exactly as God willed. As was foretold. Messiah. Chosen One. Savior. Let all the earth rejoice and be glad. God’s answer to every problem was wrapped in swaddling clothes, lain in a manger, born to a virgin, and one faithful, humble man. God’s will was not hindered. Not once. Not by, Herod, Joseph, Mary…not by shepherds, or an innkeeper. God’s plan of redemption included each one. Despite the turning of events here or there…God never once was random. Every. Single. Thing. Serves a purpose. His purpose, and will to His glory.

So what is left to say? What is left to grasp?

As we approach Christmas Eve, Christmas Day…and consider all the ways that God intervened and ordained in circumstances, times, the lives of people…and as we consider every single detail, yet even still within the constraints of free will- let us also not fail to acknowledge Him, with praise and thanksgiving. Even with our pens!

I would like to offer the next plethora of prompts to help you journal in ways that nurture your soul from now right up until the very last tick of the clock as it approaches the New Year. This is a list of prompts to choose from and enjoy. Take a few minutes and check in with your own heart and soul as you start the day, or end it.

Feel free to use the prompts in any way that seems good. You can for write  for seven minutes or ten, or longer. You can go light or deep, creative or a combination of any of these! This will be our Grand Finally! We have a few different options- some are phrases, some are words, some are quotes. Respond to the quotes, phrases and words. Choose a prompt see where it leads. Enjoy!

Your Journaling Prompts for Today ( and beyond!):

Phrases to jump off from:

All is calm, all is bright…

When I think of Christmas the first thing that pops into my head is…

Winter Solstice begins and I am…

The one thing I must do to keep my Christmas Spirit soaring…

The weather outside is frightful…

Dear Lord, …

Quotes to inspire: 

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”~ Peg Bracken.

“This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” ~ Taylor Caldwell

“To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.” ~Calvin  Coolidge

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.”~ Harlan Miller

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” ~Andy Rooney

One Word Prompts:

Fireplace

Snowflake

Toys

Messiah

Wreathe

Peace

Hope

Joy

Questions to Ponder:

What three things can  I do to keep myself focused on Christ during the Christmas season?

How can I extend grace to others I  encounter in new ways?

What lessons have I learned this particular Christmas season?

How can I apply them in my life now? In the coming days, months?

What is God impressing on my heart these days?

What is the recurring theme in my life at this moment?

Does God have One Word for me this year? What might it be? Will I allow Him to reveal it to me by setting aside my own thoughts and ideas and asking Him?

My Fellow JOurnal Keepers, I pray your Christmas is both Merry and Bright, filled with the comfort of His presence and grace and not without a bit of whimsy and delight.

I hope these prompts will carry you into the New Year.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas – and Happy Holiday!

Happy Journaling!