God of creation, God of redemption, author of life, author and perfecter of our faith,
We praise and thank you for the signs you have sent us: for the infant's cry in a lowly manger, for the Light’s quiet invasion into the darkness of this world in the Word made flesh as a little child, and for the resounding angels’ song which we hear alongside the shepherds of long ago. “Rejoice! I say again, rejoice. The Lord is near” Emmanuel, God with us.
King Jesus,
In you, the incomprehensible nature of God is comprehended enough, for in you the fullness of God dwells. In the One who is Justice, Mercy, Grace and Life itself, we have justice, mercy, grace, and life, for us. Because in you, God’s promise of salvation and restoration is fulfilled. In you God’s love is made manifest. You invite us to bring our sin, sorrows, fears, worry, and grief to you, Lord. And you have us surrender them at your feet, from the cradle exchanged for a cross, where the cracks of our brokenness are filled with the purified gold of the blood of the Lamb.
Stir up your power, Lord, and come. Come and help us by your mighty, living, and active word, that the sins and burdens that weigh us down may be lifted by your love. Be the Christ for us. Speak light into hearts troubled by darkness. Speak peace into hearts troubled by grief. Speak assurance into hearts troubled by doubt. Emmanuel, God with us.
For unto us a Child is born, a Son is given. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, entered into the world, so that He might make us new, so that He might make all things new. Emmanuel, God with us.
AMEN.