Prayer of Preparation

Father,Forgive us, your Church in Miami, for forgetting you. Give us pause this week to reflect on what you have given us in the gracious gift of Christ Jesus. There is so much distraction from you at Christmas - a time intended to celebrate you. Prepare our hearts and let your Church in Miami be a contrast to the chaos around us and place us in the places you want to bring healing and love. May our lives reflect not the "Spirit of Christmas" but rather the fruits of Your Spirit. May we be different this year in our giving and our receiving. May we receive from you a spirit of humility and joy. May we find ourselves so overwhelmed by your presence that our focus is not on our presents but on loving the people around us who so desperately long for Your Love. May we be givers of Your Peace to those around us who are drowning in anxiety. Please, Father, calm our hearts in preparation so that our very lives will be celebration of Your Love at Christmas.