Everyday Prayers for ChristmasSample

The Best Gift

In Scripture, light sometimes symbolizes knowledge and understanding. Light reveals and exposes. Nothing hides in the light. On the other hand, darkness communicates confusion and ignorance. It covers and conceals. In the light, we find comfort, while the darkness holds despair. Daniel knew this. He lived it. As a young Hebrew boy who was kidnapped and taken to Babylon to serve a foreign king, he faced this duality every single day. More importantly, Daniel knew who God was and how He embodied light. And when he needed wisdom and understanding, he prayed and asked God for help.

Something to Think About

When Daniel prayed to God, he first praised God. He honored God for having wisdom and power. He recognized that God was the one who changes the seasons and sets up kings and kingdoms. He declared that God gives wisdom to the wise and even greater knowledge to those who have understanding. And Daniel understood that God is the only One who has the power to reveal profound and hidden things. God even knows what the darkness is, even though He Himself is surrounded by light.

Daniel went on to thank God for giving him wisdom and power and answering his request. Why? Because the God who opens the depths did so for Daniel, and He solved the king’s mystery—which was no mystery to God Himself.

I find it interesting that when Daniel told the king the meaning of his dream, he gave God all the glory. He didn’t hold on to any of it for himself. Repeatedly, he pointed to God as the giver of all wisdom and revealer of dreams. And how did the king respond? He honored God and promoted Daniel.

Prayer

Father, You are surrounded by light, full of wisdom and understanding. This Christmas, may we seek the gift of light-filled wisdom that is only found in You. And when You answer our prayers and give us this gift, we will be careful to give You all the glory. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

How would the gift of wisdom and understanding impact your life right now?

Write a prayer of only adoration and praise to God.