[link below for downloading PDF “printable prayer” version, 8″ x 10″, suitable for display]
Lord God,
In these weeks leading up to Christmas we long to know the meaning, the power, and the mystery of that great mission whereby you came to save us from our sins.
Help us to focus on the good news that has caused great joy for people around the world and across the ages. We are in awe that the coming of the Lord Jesus has shaped the history of the world and has changed untold millions of lives. We need this gospel in troubled times lest we become cynical, doubtful, fearful, or vengeful. Strengthen our faith during challenging times.
We rejoice in the proclamation of Immanuel, God with us. As Isaiah said, “to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” [Isaiah 9:6]
We need the governing of the Lord Christ because humanity is so out of control.
We need the “Wonderful Counselor” because we wander in ignorance and foolishness so much of the time.
We need the savior who is “Mighty God,” able to save and preserve.
We need an “Everlasting Father” who protects us and provides not what we think we need but what we truly need.
We need the “Prince of Peace” because of the tensions between the nations of the world, because there are thousands of people whose hearts are dark with thoughts of murder and terrorism, and because even friends and family members so often battle with each other.
We have always needed a savior. Now more than ever.
In the name of the Jesus the Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
It’s nice to have resources for the seasons of the Christian year. Even a prayer like the one printed today is helpful
Thank you, I enjoy reading your posts.
kent miller
Gratified to hear it, Kent. Have a blessed Christmas!
I loved the prayer ,and will keep one with me on Christmas day to read. will printed it out and pass it to my two siblings. Thank you for the prayer. God bless you.
Glad to hear it was helpful, Eliaa. I hope a lot of other people print out the PDF version for the benefit of others. Have a blessed Christmas!
It’s a very good prayer Mel, thanks for sharing it with us again.
Yes, so many more conflicts and disasters and people hiding the truth to continue in their evil ways.
So many loved ones and homes lost, and people trying to maintain or regain the dignity that should be their right. Jesus must still be the focus of our Hopes and Fears as only He and His influence can save us all.
I remember the words of Phillips Brooks from 1867. He had made a horseback journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and assisted with the midnight service on Christmas Eve 1865.
We sang this from a very early age :
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!
How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Where children pure and happy pray to the blessèd Child,
Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;
Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!