A Christmas Prayer

A Christmas Prayer

Loving Father, 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 Louis Stevenson

There's not much I can add to this because it encompasses every thought I've had about the approach of Christmas this year. The blessings of Jesus can't be counted but they include the kindness, good desires, happiness and gratitude spoken of above.

At this very hectic and busy time of year, I always have to take a minute to read through this prayer. It quiets me, it centers me and it reminds me of what it is we are commemorating: the sweetest, most important gift we have ever been given.

Love and Christmas blessings to all!