Nancy and Carla and the conference staff wish you a blessed Advent and Merry Christmas. Our Christmas prayer for you and yours is:
O God, whose love blesses and unites us no matter where we are, we come before you weary from this pandemic needing this holy season, its lights, its colors, and, most especially, its message of hope, peace, and good will to all.
In the birth of Jesus, you have given our weary and struggling world reason to rejoice. In the tears of your Son, you abide with all who cry. In the laughter of your Son, you abide with all who laugh. In the death and resurrection of your Son, you bring hope to all. By the light of a star, you have given us the light of the world.
We thank you, good and generous God, that in Jesus the Christ, you have made yourself known and have beckoned us to join you in the continual creation of your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Open our hearts, Spirit of Life, to the news of angels and the wonder of shepherds that these days may renew and strengthen us for the days to come.
Grant us, for the sake of Christ’s ministry, hearts that may discern how to make meaningful the gospel which we cherish. Grant, to your glory, that those whose lives we touch may hear in our words and see in our lives the gracious love of your Son. We pray this in the name of your first Christmas gift, Jesus. Amen.
