Merry Christmas Eve everyone! I hope that the month of December has been one of tremendous rest and reverence despite having the craziness of Christmas surrounding us! I hope that you have been blessed by these blog posts just as I have been. It’s been really great reading about the different ways each of us reflect on the season. To be honest, I have spent a week or so trying to write this post but nothing that I have written seems to speak the message that I want to say. I think the best way for me to express my thoughts and feelings toward Christ this season is to simply say it through prayer…
My Christmas Prayer
Dear Lord,
Even now I am finding that the words in my head cannot be expressed in writing how I want them to be. However, you know my heart so I pray that these thoughts would be pleasing to you and likewise, the spoken and unspoken prayers of my heart be uplifting to you.
Christmas is fast approaching. Did you ever imagine that Christmas would come and go so fast? Did you know that as humans we would become so distracted in what society turns Christmas into rather than remaining focused on you and the most amazing gift that you’ve given us? In the blink of an eye all of the preparation and hard work that we put into Christmas seems to disappear after the season is over. This year, I want that to be different. I want the feeling of Christmas to remain in my heart, not just for the season and not just in the time that Christmas music is on the radio. Father, I ask that you help me to keep Christ at the center of my heart now and in the days, months and years to come. I am broken and fully aware that I will fall short of what you expect of me. But, your unconditional love and precious gift reminds me that you are always with me and that I receive forgiveness when I put my full trust in you.
I think of Mary and her obedience. She was your servant and followed the plan that you had for her. I ask that you guide me to have the humbling obedience of Mary, who trusted you even when things seemed confusing and uncertain, just as the plan you reveal to me can feel the same way. Prepare my heart to have the patience of Joseph, who relied on your promises despite knowing that the journey to Bethlehem would be hard and challenging, just as this season of life I’m in remains a challenge. Give me the joy of the angels who proclaimed the birth of The Savior without any hesitation. Allow me to joyfully speak of your goodness and faithfulness to others, even when I may be timid to do so. Reveal in me the lowliness of the Shepherds who understood the greatness of your gift and in their meekness knew that they were precious and worthy in your sight. Allow me to follow the path that you have for me similar to how the wise men followed the star, which guided them to the manger.
Prepare my heart for the New Year. Keep me focused on you and the will that you have for me. Allow the spirit of Christmas and the everlasting joy and peace to remain in my heart even when I am stressed, angry or finding it hard to rely on you. You promise good to those who love you and you promise wisdom and knowledge to those who seek you. All of these things I pray in your name.
Hey y'all! My name is Lindsey Tate and I'm from a little town just north
of Richmond called Ashland, Va. I am a Psychology major with a double
minor in Leadership and Childhood Studies. My passion is elementary
education. Some of my hobbies include
watching (and re-watching) episodes of Friends, playing piano,
scrapbooking/crafting, exploring Pinterest, watching sports & most
importantly spending time with family and friends. CNU and Cru have
blessed me with some incredible friendships and I am so thankful for
each of them.
Christmas is fast approaching. Did you ever imagine that Christmas would come and go so fast? Did you know that as humans we would become so distracted in what society turns Christmas into rather than remaining focused on you and the most amazing gift that you’ve given us? In the blink of an eye all of the preparation and hard work that we put into Christmas seems to disappear after the season is over. This year, I want that to be different. I want the feeling of Christmas to remain in my heart, not just for the season and not just in the time that Christmas music is on the radio. Father, I ask that you help me to keep Christ at the center of my heart now and in the days, months and years to come. I am broken and fully aware that I will fall short of what you expect of me. But, your unconditional love and precious gift reminds me that you are always with me and that I receive forgiveness when I put my full trust in you. 
Hey y'all! My name is Lindsey Tate and I'm from a little town just north
of Richmond called Ashland, Va. I am a Psychology major with a double
minor in Leadership and Childhood Studies. My passion is elementary
education. Some of my hobbies include
watching (and re-watching) episodes of Friends, playing piano,
scrapbooking/crafting, exploring Pinterest, watching sports & most
importantly spending time with family and friends. CNU and Cru have
blessed me with some incredible friendships and I am so thankful for
each of them.