A Christmas Prayer

On the BeliefNet blog site, Progressive Revival, Paul Raushenbush, grandson of the well-known early 20th century Baptist pastor Walter Raushenbush, has this prayer:

Creator God,

On this Holy Night, still our frentic pace, and calm our worried minds so that we might experience the miracle and wonder of Christmas. Send your Holy Spirit to pierce the shadows of these uncertain times, rekindle our hope for the future, and guide us by the shining star of Bethlehem to the humble manger where your Love made flesh awaits.

Thank you for the beauty of this world and for the simple, true blessings of family, friends and loved ones. Guided by your spirit of compassion, help us to be loving, forgiving and gentle with one another. May the life giving spirit of Christ sanctify our celebration so that this might truly be a Holy day and bring us closer together as families and as a community.

In this world confounded by the false glitter of materialism and afflicted by the sin of greed, help us to repent of our selfishness and callousness. As we worship your son, born in a manger because there was no room for him at the inn, help us to see in Jesus all who lack the basic dignities of shelter, food, employment and healthcare. We remember especially those who are out of work or who have lost their homes in this time of economic crisis. May we be in solidarity with the suffering of others and each work to usher in your reign of justice, peace and good will on earth as it is in heaven.

We remember all those serving in our military in Iraq and Afghanistan. May they find joy and know that our thoughts and prayers are with them and with the people of those war torn nations. We pray for Israel and Palestine, the Congo, and cities around the world where violence and strife tear and the fabric of life. As we worship the one called the Prince of Peace, we pray that the day come soon when swords are beaten into plowshares and sisters and brothers of every nations, race, and religion live in peace.

Loving God, On this Christmas Eve we give you thanks for your son who loved the outcaste, healed the lame, preached Good News to the poor, was crucified and rose again; who was born so that we might be born again. May our lives reflect our gratitude.

Amen