Holy, holy, child of Bethlehem, you came to us tenderly in human flesh. And so we again bow in wonder to ponder how such a gift transforms us even now.
Sometimes we are like the shepherds, busy keeping our own flocks by night, too busy even to notice an angel singing, too consumed with cooking and shopping to hear your summons to come and see.
Sometimes we are like the wise men, actively seeking a new direction for our lives, eagerly following your spiritual guidance in the stars or in books or in the ancient wisdom of the religious leaders. Sometimes we are like Mary and Joseph, startled by your invitation to use us to play a part in bringing your holy presence into this broken world. How dare you think of us, mere humans, to be your gift to the world.
Claim us again this season oh God, to be your holy people. Free us from the need to have a perfect Christmas and open us to having a holy Christmas. Forgive us for the family tensions that divide us from each other. Forgive us for the harsh and hurtful words we speak to each other or under our breath. Forgive us for the violence around the world in Syria and so many other places. Break into our world with the good news of your love incarnate, in human flesh. Transform our thin festivities into a holy drama of genuine love. Be born in us oh God, so that we may follow the prince of peace in changing the world with the good news of your holy presence. We pray in the name of the one born in the manger, using the words he taught us.
Amen.
