The Little Foxes That (Try To) Ruin Christmas
Elizabeth Laing Thompson
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)
“I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8 (NIV)
“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:17 (NIV)
Lord, as we enter this season of Advent, prepare our hearts to receive You with hope and expectation. In the waiting, help us to trust Your timing and draw near to Your light. Let this be a time of quiet reflection and renewed faith in Your promises. Awaken in us a deeper longing for Your presence. Come, Lord Jesus — our hope and our salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 (ESV)
“And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:7b-8 (NLT)
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
“… but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.’” Psalm 55:6 (CSB)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
God, in everything I am facing, it feels hard to find things to thank You for. But You are the Giver of good gifts in my life. Help me to see them even when it’s easier to focus on the things I lack. You have given me abundant life. What Jesus did for me by dying on the cross was the greatest sacrifice anyone could have made. Your grace is something I’m forever grateful for. Open my eyes to all the gifts You’ve offered me right now: the breath in my lungs, the people around me, the provision of Your presence, and the hope of eternal life. I praise You for Your goodness, Lord! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 (ESV)
“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God …” Luke 2:13 (NLT)
“… the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” Romans 4:17 (ESV)