Heavenly Father,
There are times when the darkness around us and in us can make it seem like there is no light. Cause us to follow your Word as the magi followed the star. Just as the light of Christ was revealed to the them, shine His light into our darkness. In your mercy, crash your light into the darkness of this world. Scatter the dark clouds with showers of your grace for your grace is enough.
Lord,
Out of fear, we so easily get distracted and turned by the overwhelming tide of voices all around us. Loud and self seeking voices that elevate anger, resentment, and self-righteousness. Voices which would have us declare our neighbors as our enemies, and call it virtue. Where these voices and our own hearts cry “War!”, turn our hearts and tongues to declare peace. Where the world and our own hearts double down on the pain, wounds, and cruelty of this life, turn our hearts and tongues to proclaim the healing balm of the Good News of Christ’s reign.
King Jesus,
So often we fall to temptation, and bear the fruit of sin: hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy. Be the friend and pardoner of sinners. In your mercy turn us, repent us, faith us, forgive us, renew us.
Remind us that we are marked with your name, and stir your Holy Spirit within us that we might instead bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
In your mighty and gracious name,
AMEN.