“Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. “
Robert Louis Stevenson
It is the most amazing thing to anticipate the coming of a special event or occasion. There is so much planning, and so many details to attend to. 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, and 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 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, and some are quotes. Respond to the quotes, phrases, and words. Choose a prompt and 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 goodwill, 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, or 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 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 the Christmas you need this year- whether gentle, joy-filled, quiet, or boisterous- May the One who knows your need meet you right where you are and provide! Yes, Amen.
Happy Journaling!
This post originally appeared on Enthusiastically, Dawn 12/23/2015. I hope you enjoy another chance to approach these prompts for the first time or again. I am journaling them with you!
Thank you for reading- this post is public, so feel free to share it with those you think might enjoy it!
Enthusiastically, Dawn 