(Photo by Mario Losereit on Unsplash)
“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” -Luke 2:10-14
A Prayer:
Lord God, our Father in heaven, we are indeed a people in need of news that will bring us great joy. The world is so weary from years of seemingly constant bad news, and many have almost stopped listening. As Christmas draws near, we pray that you would touch our hearts and open our ears to the good news that you would speak to us.
We pray for family and friends who are in need of your mercy and compassion at this time, and we ask on their behalf for the joy that only can come from the work of your Spirit.
We pray for those who have suffered loss in this past year and are experiencing more pain and grief than joy and gladness. Lord, we remember them now and pray that you would bring your divine comfort and a resolute expression of your joy even in the midst of sorrow and pain.
We pray for the world around us, asking that this Christmas, your message of good news would be heard in the ears of many and that hearts would be opened to respond to the good news. Speak, O Lord, to those who expect it the least and those who need it the most; may the message of the arrival of Jesus spread rapidly in our world and be honoured in the hearts of many.
All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever, Amen.
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