As the angelic hosts gathered to proclaim your message of hope and peace for all the world, we gather here this day to hear again of your word manifest in the person of Jesus Christ, that we too may join the heavenly chorus which proclaims your message of hope, peace, love, and joy.
Gracious God, send your blessing upon your Church, set apart for the gospel and called to belong to Jesus Christ, that we who have received your grace may bear witness to the reconciliation of your love in the world. It is your message that the world yearns to hear, help enable your church to be the voice of that message.
Grant a sign unto our nation and to all in authority, that we may not weary you, O God, but rather may refuse evil and choose good. We pray for your creation, that we’d see and recognize its beauty and seek to be good stewards through our proper care of its natural resources. We pray for not only this nation but every nation and its leaders and people. We pray especially for those this day who long to hear your promise of good news – for an end to violence, oppression, and injustice. Lead your people out of darkness into light.
As we hear the story of Mary and Joseph we pray for the Marys and Josephs in every place: we pray for all people who are in the midst of the vocation of raising children – for biological parents and adoptive parents, for grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; for children who long for the love of a parent; for those who will be born this day and especially those born into hunger and insecurity. Fill your people with grace and mercy that your light may shine through us.
Be with those whom we hold dear and those who’ve asked for our prayers. We pray for everyone who is in need this day: for the lonely, the anxious, the sick and the grieving. May they know your deep and abiding peace. We pray for those whose lives are filled with joy and thanksgiving. May they know and celebrate with deep gratitude.
We ask these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, the Emmanuel, who has taught us to pray together: Our Father….