Finding Wonder Again - Your Nightly Prayer - November 19th

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Finding Wonder Again
Your Nightly Prayer
By Sophia Bricker 

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. " -  John 1:14

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

Some of the greatest moments of wonder I have experienced during Christmas happened as my parents drove my sisters and me through neighborhoods to see light displays. Amid the backdrop of night, the lights seemed to sparkle like stars in the sky. We would cheer at yards that had our favorite Christmas characters or sit in silence to gaze at a dazzling display that seemed too large for our eyes to fully see. In those moments, I lived in wonder of the holiday, though I could not fully articulate my amazement. Instead, my gasps or cheers conveyed my joy.  

Many of us do not retain that same wide-eyed amazement at Christmas when we become adults. Whether the loss of loved ones, hardships, or difficulties with family, the celebration becomes dim. Why should we pack our families into cars during cold nights to see electric lights? Or what is the point of hanging decorations or playing festive music when loved ones are gone, and we are alone for the holiday? Situations in life can make it hard for us to fully grasp the good news of Christmas.  

Taking a break from celebrations is understandable when we are experiencing challenges. However, that amazement we had as children can be rekindled when we take time to think about how God entered our darkness–including the very places that can make us bitter toward the holiday season. Like staring at those dazzling lights in all their electric glory, the Word becoming human should fill us with wonder. The Bible tells us that this Word is the great God who created everything (John 1:1-3). He who formed galaxies, set the stars in place, and created us from the dust is the One who took on human flesh to live among us. This is the Son of God, who entered our suffering and pain to bring redemption: Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23).  

No amount of difficulties will diminish the glory of Jesus, for He has overcome the darkness (John 1:5). When we set our gaze firmly on Him, even if suffering marks our life, we will find our vision reawakened to the joy of His coming. We may also find that our inner child who once sat starry-eyed in front of lights now gazes with wonder at the Light of the world.    

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 

Father,
As the years go by, Jesus, I often find myself wearied by circumstances. All the life and joy I used to associate with the holiday season is gone, and I begin to question if it is worth engaging in celebration. But when I consider again the great story of You coming into the world, God in the flesh, I am unable to deny my amazement. The God of all came into this world to save humankind, though we are undeserving and often turn away from Your grace. I cannot help but respond with awe at Your coming. For Immanuel, You have come and are coming again. Anytime I lose my wonder, may You help me find it again by remembering that You lived among us to share and carry our suffering and pain. In Your name, I pray.
Amen.     

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1. A painting of the birth of Christ or a nativity scene. What stands out to you in the picture or display?  

2. The various titles for Jesus: Son of God, Savior, King of kings, Light of the World, Good Shepherd, Immanuel, Son of Man, Bread of Life, Lord. Think of one of the titles and what it meant for Him to come into the world and be born as a child. What are your thoughts regarding this? How might you praise Him? 

3. Something that brought you joy and wonder as a child. How can you bring this memory into the current Christmas season and give thanks to God for it?  

Photo Credit: ©Getty/Margarita Khamidulina

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.  

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