The Christmas season is a reminder that we are not alone, God has entered this world to suffer with us, and overcome the darkness. All are invited to be his people and he will plant in our the seed that becomes the light of the world.
This is my prayer of hope, knowing that Jesus Christ is present with us.
Let’s open our ears to hear.
In our world, where we hear as much bad news as we want to hear, we look for hope outside of ourselves.
In our world where we know people are dyeing on the other side of the city due to unfair, injust, or abusive things, we look for diving guidance outside of our own capacity to bring change.
In our world where our homes become places of tension rather than places of rest, we long for your light in our darkness.
In our world where few faithfully claim to walk with a loving Creator because their picture of the Creator is angery and judgmental…. Jesus lead us in treating others as we would want them to treat us. We antisipate in faith and we look for hope.
Longing for light we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church, gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone, has power to save us.
Make us a living voice.
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many shall thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
Many the gifts, many the people,
Many the hearts, that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come.
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today….
As we take in a breath, the air you created, with our lungs, Lord, help us to be filled with your Spirit as well. Your spirit is only of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfuness and self control….
Make us the people who embody your loving service into every neighbourhood your followers are present.
The poem is “Longing for Light” By Bernadette Farrell. 1993.