Heavenly Father, we come before you at this special time of the year to thank you, above all else, for the One whogives 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 toset 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 rejoice and spread your light tothose in desperate need. Once again, we surrender our life to you. We put all our worries, needs and longingsinto your hands. Remain with us this Christmas.
Work in us and through us in powerful ways, in waysfull of wonder. Fill our lives and the lives of our neighbours with hope, peace, joy and love. Free us fromthe daily run for survival and join us in our celebration.
Help us forget our differences and arguments, heal our old wounds and bring us all together in unity andharmony. 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 throughour 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