O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge.
Give every life your gift of peace. We remember that the newborn Christ came into a world of violence and division, not only in his time and place, but in every age. Open us in this season to that peace, which passes all understanding. May the peace of the newborn Christ dwell deep within us. Show us in each day how to share the peace of Christ with others so that all in our influence may receive and open this gift of peace in their lives.
May your gift of peace be known especially in the place where you lay in the manger. May the manger bed be the source of peace in the Middle East and in every nation and race.
We thank you for the newborn Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.