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STORIED CHURCH CHRISTMAS EXAMEN | DECEMBER 25, 2024

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As we celebrate Christmas Day in a myriad of ways—through laughter, meals, gifts, or quiet moments—let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the gift this day offers to us: the gift of Jesus, the light of the world, born into our lives to bring hope, peace, and love. May this time of reflection help us embrace the deeper meaning of this holy day and the wonder of God’s presence among us.

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OPENING PRAYER

Loving God, on this holy day of Christmas, I open my heart to the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Fill me with wonder and gratitude for the light that has come into the world, and help me see Your presence in every moment of this day. Amen.

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SCRIPTURE: PSALM 148

Praise the Lord from the earth,
   you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
   stormy wind fulfilling his command!

9 Mountains and all hills,
   fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
   creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
   princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
   old and young together!

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
   for his name alone is exalted;
   his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
   praise for all his faithful,
   for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!​

 

1: BECOME AWARE OF GOD'S PRESENCE

Take a deep breath. Close your eyes if it helps. Picture the scene of Jesus' birth—the stable, the manger, the light of a star. Imagine yourself there.

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• How is God inviting you into this moment of wonder and love?

• What do you notice as you sit in God's presence on this special day?

 

2: REVIEW THE DAY W/ GRATITUDE

Think back over your Christmas Day, from morning to now.

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• What moments brought you joy or comfort?

• Who were the people you shared the day with, either in person or in spirit?

• How did you experience God’s love through them?

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Thank God for these gifts, naming them one by one.

 

3: REFLECT ON YOUR EMOTIONS

Consider the feelings that surfaced during the day—joy, gratitude, frustration, sadness, or something else.

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• Which moments stirred your heart most deeply?

• How might God have been speaking to you through these emotions?

 

4: FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE DAY

Acknowledge any moments when things didn’t go as planned, or when you felt distant from the joy of Christmas.

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• Did you face any struggles, conflicts, or distractions?

• How might God be inviting you to grow, forgive, or let go?

 

5: LOOK AHEAD TO TOMORROW

As Christmas Day winds down, ask God to guide your steps into the days ahead.

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• How can you carry the light of Christ into your everyday life?

• What is one small way you can share His love with others?

 

6: CLOSING PRAYER

The joy of discovery that moment when hope and expectation were gloriously met by the illumination of one bright star. We cannot imagine what words were spoken by visitors or if first impressions left them somewhat confused.

 

Messiah, Savior, a King born in the barest of palaces. Yet they saw and fell down on their knees in adoration. Lord, they saw you and knew whom they had met. As we meet around crib candle of advent wreath draw us into that stable in our imagination.

 

In the quiet moments of prayer this Christmas, that brief oasis from the bustle of the world bring alive to us the smell of the hay the sound of the animals the cry of a baby.

 

Draw us close to our Savior Messiah and King as we bring not Gold, Myrrh or Frankincense but the gift of our lives the only offering we can bring. AMEN.

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