Almighty God,
In your grace and mercy, and on account of your son Jesus Christ and by your Holy Spirit, you bless us with unity in you, and unity with each other. Whether gathered side by side, or separated by distance, time, or troubles, we are one in you. And you bless us by turning us to you. Hear our prayer Lord through your Son, our mediation and our mediator.
Lord,
On Christmas, and every day, fill us with wonder at the nearness of our God.
The Creator of the universe, entering into His creation as a helpless child; the moment when joy and hopeful expectation meet, the fulfilled promise of a savior. “Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is he. Comfort, comfort my people, says our God, the glory of the Lord has been revealed”.
Fill us with wonder at the nearness of our God, Emmanuel, “God with us”. For unto us a Child is born, a Son is given. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The great I AM born in the flesh, dwelling among us, for us. The great I AM who walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, dirtied his feet in Galilee, and bloodied His feet on the cross. The unique Son of God, seated at the right hand of the Father, yet as near to us as our next breath. The Righteous One, who shared our weakness and temptation, yet did not sin. Fill us with wonder at the nearness of our God, Jesus Christ, friend of sinners, who has adopted us into His perfect Sonship as full heirs of His Kingdom. Have us hear His voice and BELIEVE:
“I am the Word made flesh. In me is life, life that is the light of all mankind. My light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not and cannot overcome it. I am the Word made flesh, for you. I am with you tonight, I am with you tomorrow, I am with you always.”
AMEN.