God of angels and shepherds, God who comes to join us as a wee baby,
it is Christmas time again and once again
we listen to the carols, we tell the story, we bask in the glow of candlelight.
This year, as we do every year,
we listen for angels proclaiming Good News for all people.
This year, as every year,
we seek to find the Promised One in our world
God of candles flickering in our midst,
the candle flames look so fragile, a mere puff of wind could put them out.
And yet they are strong enough to bring light in the longest night
and heat to the coldest season.
May these candles in our space tonight lead us to find what we need:
hope that drives away despair;
peace in a tumultuous violent world;
joy that lifts our hearts, blooming where we least expect it;
love that is active and alive in the world;
and the promise that we are not alone, that you share every part of our lives.
As the candle flames dance and flicker,
help us reflect their light into the world around us.
God who loves this world so deeply,
you know, as we do, that there is much pain around us this night.
Outside our doors the snow drifts high,
the thermometer plummets and the wind steals our heat.
Around the block and around the globe are
those who find joy distant and difficult this year;
those who have lost hope,
those for whom peace is just a word, not reality,
those who wonder if they are indeed loved, or even lovable.
As we celebrate the birth of the Promised One
we pray for all of your beloved children who are in pain
who are afraid,
who weep,
who grieve.
Through your grace and love may they know that they are not alone,
lead them to find sparks of hope, peace and joy,
remind them that they are indeed Beloved.
God of dreams, keep us dreaming.
Keep the promises and dreams and hopes of Christmas
with us all the year round.
Plant dreams in our souls,
dreams that bring hope,
dreams of peace and justice,
dreams that bring us joy,
dreams of love that drives the world forward.
We share all our prayers, our hopes, our dreams,
our cries for help and comfort, our worries and fears,
in the name of Jesus, Christ the Lord,
whose birth we celebrate with angels and shepherds and millions of others.
Amen.
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