A Prayer for Christmas

“We should make a dwelling place within ourselves where God can stay.” – St. Francis of Assisi

God With Us

Jesus – our Emmanuel,

praise is on our lips, 

for you are born 

here and now again 

in our hearts.

As we gather at the manger 

your hope fills us, 

your peace comforts us, 

your joy stirs us, 

your love meets us. 

May we carry these gifts into the days ahead 

and share them with all those we meet, 

especially those who do not know your

hope - peace - joy - love.

As we celebrate your birth among us,

we sing with the angels, 

we pause with the shepherds, 

we adore with the magi, 

we draw near with the animals, 

for we trust,

we even dare to believe

you do truly 

dwell among us.

As we share gifts, 

gather at table, 

greet friends and neighbors, 

and celebrate the season,

remind us you were born in a manger

-  simple and humble. 

May this simplicity and humility 

help us to see you 

in all which is now Christmas time.

From the manger 

we are awakened 

to our call as your people 

to bring good news, 

bind up broken hearts, 

proclaim liberty, 

comfort mourners, 

and declare 

your hope - peace - joy and love

this season and in all seasons. 

From the manger 

to our everyday 

may we be witnesses 

of you among us. 

Amen.

Photo Credit: Mustafa Turhan