Loving God, 

ever faithful to your promises 

and ever close to your people, 

the earth rejoices in hope of the Saviour’s coming,

as it looks forward to the birthday of Christ.

Prepare our hearts and help us to remove the sadness that 

hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which Christmas brings.

May we celebrate the coming feast with love and thanksgiving.

May families, especially those divided by misunderstanding and

bitterness, experience much healing and forgieveness this 

Christmas.

May all who are in any sort of misery or pain, especially the 

misery of sin,

allow themselves to be touched, by the compassion of the

merciful Christ Child.

Now and always, as we journey on our pilgrim way, longing with

all our hearts, for you to heal our present ills, lead us to eternal joy.

Make us worthy to receive, from your hand, the Bread of Heaven,

at the feast of eternal life.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Amen.