Our Father in Heaven,

As we approach the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year, we are still living in a worldwide pandemic that none of us gave any thought to a year ago at this time. 2020 has been a year of suffering. Many of us continue to work from home, and some have sadly lost their jobs, or seen their businesses close during this time.   Some of us have been very ill and lost loved ones.  Some of our children are doing their school work at home. We have been feeling lonely, isolated and depressed as we spend most of our time at home to stay safe. We are thankful that we have homes to take shelter in.  Some of us have not gone back to church, instead watching our services online, as we try to protect ourselves and our family. We miss our church family. Father, we long to be around family and friends this holiday season, but fear getting the virus. I admit, that as the COVID cases rise in my area, I’m increasingly concerned to be around family and friends at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I will rest in the wisdom that You give me, and in Your providence and sovereignty.
We are encouraged that there has been positive news about vaccines which we pray will soon be available to people around the world. Much more, we rejoice as we look forward to celebrating the first coming of Jesus, and at the same time so look forward to His second coming.
So many of us see some family members only at this time of the year. Some of these gatherings have already been cancelled or changed from what they were in past years. Zoom family gatherings do not satisfy, but still we are thankful for that option. We long to embrace our loved ones, but know that we shouldn’t, as we look to protect not only ourselves, but our loved ones as well. Oh Father, how long will this suffering go on? How long?
Help us to not be downcast as others are, but to grow in our love for You and Your son Jesus as we approach and live through this holiday season, one that will be so different than any that we’ve ever lived through. Help us to rest in You as our refuge and fortress and trust Your steadfast character.
Help us to remember to be thankful for the many blessings that You have given us. You have given us the greatest gift of all – Jesus – who suffered greatly, taking the punishment for us, and giving us His righteousness. It is a gift. The greatest gift. We have done nothing – we can do nothing – to deserve it.
Father, we don’t know what 2021 will bring, but we are comforted that You do, and that You are in control of everything, and that is enough. We live in a sinful world, but Jesus is the vaccine.  He died in our place so that we might live.  We will ultimately be cured and never have fear of illness and death again.
In Jesus wonderful name we pray,
Amen