Christmas Prayer

"Christmas began in the heart of God.
It is complete only when it reaches my heart."

The hustle and bustle is over, the Christmas tree is surrounded with our love gifts to one another, and the Crib has a place of honour to remind us that "Jesus is the reason for the season"

Introduction:

Let's give ourselves the gift of some quiet moments to reflect on this great celebration and its challenges to us.

The eternal Word of God Himself has become man. What does the Incarnation tell us about our Almighty Triune God? How has that fact changed human life? My life?

Scripture & Reading for Reflection:

O God, you reign on high; let all the peoples tremble. You are exalted over all peoples; let them praise your name, Awesome and great! Holy are you over all.
— Psalm 99

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.
— John 1: 1-3

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
— John 1:14

All things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
— Col 1:15-17

God's love for us was revealed when God sent into the world His only Son so that we could have life through Him. This is the love I mean: not our love for God, but God's love for us.
— 1 John 4:9-10

He was so small
One scarce could see
His vast extent
Of courtesy
— Hilaire Belloc

Personal Reflection:

Both Creation and the Incarnation were simultaneously in the eternal plan of God. What shift occurs in my understanding of God's will for humanity . . . for me? How do I respond to the great mystery celebrated each Christmas?

Can I move beyond appearances to the ultimate reality of the Child in the crib?

King Herod believed . . . something
The Magi believed . . . what
Mary believed . . . who
— Matthew 1:18-2:18

Response:

Too often my faith exists only in my mind and words. Jesus came among us as the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. What challenges do I face in following Christ in humility, compassion, and justice for all?

Prayer:

Loving Father, once again I rejoice that your Eternal Word became flesh in Jesus. I thank you for your great mercy and for this gift that gives meaning to my life.

Jesus, help me to grow in your image and likeness. Awaken in me practical ways to enflesh my beliefs in renewed commitment to your will for us. May my life reveal your great love and concern for all.

For other prayers, see this page