Have you heard of the Christmas rose? It blooms during winter in the mountains of central Europe, and is tied by legend to a shepherd girl named Madelon. As she tended her sheep one wintry night, the Magi passed with their gifts for the Christ child. Grieved that she had nothing to give him, she began to weep. An angel saw her tears and brushed away the snow to reveal a beautiful white flower tipped with pink – the Christmas rose.

What can we give Jesus for His birthday? The Apostle Paul instructs us to, “pray continually.” All through the Christmas season, you and I can serve in the cause of spiritual renewal in prayer. Pray for the people you’ll see at parties. Pray before going to a family member’s home. Pray for opportunities to put others before yourself, to treat others well in stores. Pray for God’s Spirit to help you be kind in this hectic seasons, exhibiting the joy of Jesus in the season of His birth.

For whose soul have you prayed today?