Greetings!
Here is my final Christmas edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen for the year. I’ve decided to offer Christmas blessings to six different groups of people. May God bestow His favor to all this time of year.
- Blessing for children
This should be a happy time for all children. The usual excitement every Christmas morning is known for seeing kids beaming while opening presents. Why else is the simile “like a kid on Christmas” used so often?
May all children be filled with joy this Christmas. Though they share a universal joy when opening presents, may they come to understand Who is the greatest gift of all.
- Blessing for foster children
I single out the many foster children who may not have the usual comforts other children will have Christmas Day.
May the multitude of children in foster care experience a unique blessing this Christmas. Though they find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings with people they don’t know, may you O Lord provide comfort and joy that could only come from You. And may they all find their forever home.
- Blessing for the grieving
For those who are struggling over the loss of a loved one, I offer this blessing to you.
May the God of comfort and peace fill the emptiness in your heart. While others around you are joyful, may you find healing in this time of grief. Be reminded of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as he grieved the loss of both his wife and son, writing these last two verses to “I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day.”
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep.
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!
The wrong shall fail, The right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men!”
- Blessing for pastors
God bless all pastors and church leaders. May they have time of refreshment and joy with their families. May He use them to help all they lead to understand Who Jesus is as the head of the Church. Give them words of wisdom and conviction, of mercy and grace. And through the messages they share this Christmas season bring a greater understanding of the Christ child who came to save people from their sins.
- Blessing for government leaders
God bless our leaders He appointed, all of them. May we show them respect and honor, not because of who these government leaders are, but Who placed them in such positions. May they submit to God’s authority as we submit to theirs. May God’s will be done through them. May they lead as Jesus led with righteousness and compassion. And may they honor God in the decisions they make.
- Blessing for parents
God bless parents who provide for their children a special time this year. May they be filled with joy in these days that will go fast in their children’s lives. Let there be time of rest and refreshment, of love and support for their children.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!