CHRISTMAS PRAYERS 1

Loving Father, now at the climax of this time of waiting I offer you all my longing and hoping. Let the mystery and holiness of your great gift to us, which we celebrate afresh, come upon me as strangely and gloriously as to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. Father Let me glimpse the joy of the angels at the goodness of God; let me know myself freed by this infant Savior from all I am ashamed of and would leave behind: the guilt of a life selfishly lived, the burden of spoilt relationships, and the misery of failed effort.

Lord God, I bring all these to the poor stable and ask that in this holy darkness my past may no more be seen, but my present and future be lit by that shining and generous love which shone around the angels as they sang of glory, and which shines for all of us where Christ is born.

Bless, Father, those for whom amidst others’ joy this is a hard and bitter time of suffering or remembering, those for whom your gift seems to offer so little comfort. Deepen true care in my hearts for them; and for those for whom this season has no holiness or glimpse of the wonder of your love. Thank you that your gift is to us all, and that you patiently await our acceptance. Bring us all, dear Father, at the l to know it an receive it. Amen.

(Ruth Etchells, Christmas Eve, Just As I am, p.136-137)