Almighty, merciful, and gracious God,
In a world that seems long on worry and fear, but short on hope, have us pause on this Christmas Eve night to reflect that you carry and deliver hope in the most unlikely ways and into the most undignified places. From the lowly manger to the brutal cross to the triumphant empty tomb.
And rest us and hold us in the promises of your word,
Comfort, comfort my people, the people walking in darkness have seen a great light, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Through the words of the prophets and the voices of angels the Lord has made his will known for the salvation of the world.
Make way, for Emmanuel is here, the child long promised. The author of love, who knows what it is to be abandoned and so enters into our loneliness that by His love we might never be alone.
Make way, for the King is here, the One long promised. The Servant King who is the fount of joy, yet knows grief, so enters into our sadness to comfort the sorrowful.
Make way, for the Messiah is here and He is the Way for you and for all. They way to honor instead of shame. The way to forgiveness instead of condemnation, the way to redemption instead of captivity to sin, the way to restoration instead of brokenness, the way to true peace, the way to salvation.
Lord, envelop us in the light of your presence, the Word made flesh, bright within this dark world. Spiritual light for the spiritually blind, the cup of salvation for the thirsty, the bread of life for the hungry. For unto us a child is born, a son is given. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Emmanuel, God is with us.
AMEN.