Prayer for Christmas

Heavenly Father, we come before you at this special time to thank you, above all else, for the One who gives meaning to Christmas, for your most precious gift to us - your beloved son, Jesus Christ. We thank you because he came into this world of suffering and death to set us free, to transform us from slaves of fear to children of love and heirs of eternity.

Help us understand and never forget the true meaning of Christmas, so that we can rejoyce and spread your light to those in desperate need of it. Once again, we surrender our life to you. We put all our worries, needs and longings in your hand. Stay with us this Christmas.

Work in us and through us in ways full of power and wonder. Fill our lives and the lives of those around us with hope, peace, joy and love. Free us from the daily run for survival and bring magic to our celebration.

Help us forget our differences and arguments, heal our old wounds and bring us all together in unity and harmony. Fill us with the spirit of Christmas - a spirit of giving, sharing, joy and compassion.

Let us spread and share the good news not only through our words and actions, but also through our thoughts, attitudes and feelings, through our whole being.

Help us fill our little corner of the world with the light of the Holy Child born in Bethlehem.

AMEN