Christmas

Eternal God, our Father, this is the holy time of prayer, and we need it so much! Quiet the clamors of our lives. Subdue the turmoils without and within, and make in our hearts a quiet place, and come and dwell therein.
We confess that at times we seem to be more than one person. We are sad and we are glad; we think thoughts of beauty and we contemplate the ugly and impure; we intend to do right but we do wrong. O Lord, we understand why Paul cried out: "My own behavior baffles me. For I find myself not doing what I really want to do but doing what I really loathe. I often find that I have the will to do good, but not the power....I don't accomplish the good I set out to do, and the evil I don't really want to do I find I am always doing....who on earth can free me from the clutches of my own sinful nature?" We thank you that there is an answer: "There is a way out thought Jesus Christ our Lord."
Remind us as we wait in prayer, Lord and as we listen for your word - remind us that in a dark sky a star once shone - that when life was filled with noise and confusion, busyness and strife, a chorus of angels sang of your glory and the promise of peace - and when simple shepherds were almost in despair, an angel of the Lord brought the good tidings that a Saviour was born. O Lord, help us not to think of all this good news as being in the past and for people who lived long ago. Help us to believe it is your good news to us, too....that the light is still shining in the darkness and that the darkness can never put it out - that the song has not died - that Christ is here today with His wonderful invitation: "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden....Behold, I stand at the door and knock...."
May we here and now promise you that by your help we will have a Christmas celebration this year that will be worthy of the good news of salvation in Christ: that we will renew our vows of discipleship - that we will take hold of the burden of the world somewhere - that we will become involved in His plan of redemption for all mankind. In His name we pray......Amen