Christmas Prayer 2023

 God of Light and Darkness,
you are present in both the shadows and the brightness.
On this Christmas night may we hear your voice both
in the laughter and singing and
in the still silence.

Source of Hope,
in a world where many live with despair,
a world where so many struggle to get by,
remind us of the Hope for a world renewed and reborn.
As we hear again the story of a baby in a manger,
strengthen our souls with hope for what the future will bring
May all those who have lost hope hear your voice bringing Good News.

Builder of Peace,
sometimes it seems that peace and justice are just words,
not a reality.
Tonight, as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace,
reawaken in us a commitment to be people of peace,
to join you in the creation of a new world.
Share with us a vision of a time when all live together peacefully,
and all have what they need for abundant life.

Wellspring of Joy,
grant us the joy that goes deep into our souls,
joy that is more than happiness,
joy that comes from the knowledge that You are with us
whatever life might bring us.
In the dips and low times of our lives,
when laughter and song are distant memories,
may we feel your presence to comfort and support us,
leading us back to the singing.
This Christmas season we pray with all those who find joy difficult.
May they all feel your comfort and support.

Giver of Love,
tonight love shines from a feed trough,
tonight love takes flesh as a new-born baby.
We need love to live, to thrive, to be who you created us to be.
Sadly, some of us forget that we are loved,
some of us try to meet other people’s standards so that they will love us,
God who is Love, remind us that we are all a part of the world that you love.
In Jesus you call us to love each other as you love us.
As we sing with angels and wonder with shepherds,
move us to act with love for all we meet – all year long,
may those who feel alone and unloved tonight
feel themselves wrapped in a love that will never let them go.

Proclaimer of Good News,
the angel’s words echo through the centuries.
In this world where bad news gets the front page,
where we hear about all that goes wrong,
help us to not be disheartened.
Give us ears to hear and eyes to see
the places where you are at work in the world.
Help us to hear the great Good News of a Saviour.
Fill us with Hope, Peace Joy and Love
and move us to share the Good News with the world around us.
We pray in the name of the baby who comes to change the world,
Jesus, the one we call Christ the Lord.
Glory in the highest.
Hallelujah! Amen.