Christmas prayers.

One old.
One new.

The first has stood the test of time, of eternal truth and joyous thanksgiving.

A Christmas Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus’ sake.

Amen.

The second came from one of our pastors, Jay Grant, in his weekly prayer letter.
It’s my prayer this Christmas and throughout the new year.

That during this Christmas week,
we would all love our friends, family and neighbors,
especially the most difficult ones.
That we would bless and not curse.
Smile and not frown.
Hug and not keep a distance.
Be pleasant and not rude.
Encouraging and not discouraging.
Forgiving and not resentful.
Looking for the good and not the bad.
That we would express love at every opportunity.

Amen.

Jay also sent along the following video with the words: ” It’s hard to describe it, but I’ll try. It’s the beauty God. The mystery of Christ. It’s the music of heaven arising from seeming tragedy. It’s the sacredness of life come forth from the womb. It is pure inspiration.”

Thank you, Jay.

Merry Christmas to all and prayers for a grace-filled new year.