I love Christmas songs. ‘My Grown Up Christmas List’ is one of them. As a little girl my Christmas lists always included a Barbie doll, clothes and accessories. My parents struggled to buy one for my little sister and one for me every year. Because of that, we cherished our dolls even more. They were precious gifts to us. Oh, what I would give to have such a simple Christmas list this year.

I now have a new appreciation for this song. I’ve listened to it several times this season. Every time I hear it, it touches my heart in a very sensitive place. Look at the words and sing along if you’d like:

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I’m all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

But heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list
This is my only life long wish
This is my grown up christmas list

This year, as I’ve watched family and friends struggle with doubt, loss, betrayal, health, brokenness, depression, trauma, estranged relationships, pain, financial struggles, etc. I began to think about what I wished for each of them. I now have my very own grown up Christmas list. Well, I’m not asking Santa to grant my wishes but I’m asking the One who CAN and DOES change things, to answer prayers. He is The One True God.

I’m asking God to bring healing for a pandemic that may never end–healing for those who are burdened under the effects of systemic racism–peace and joy to all who feel hopeless–a living faith for those struggling with doubt and darkness –comfort for those who are dealing with unimaginable loss or betrayal–good health for those who suffer from chronic pain and mental illness of every kind–restoration for those dealing with brokenness and estranged relationships AND prosperity for every financial struggle.  This, dear LORD, is my prayer.🙏🏾

This is My Grown Up Christmas List.

What’s on your Grown Up Christmas List?