Silent Night, Holy Night

As we wait for the Light of the World to conquer the darkness, we offer a prayer on Christmas Eve, the holiest of nights.


Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.
Amen.

(Robert Lewis Stevenson)