Christmas prayer

[Chappy]

A Merry Christmas to all my Brothers & Sisters.

Oh God above, Source of all that we have and are, Sovereign of peace, Strength of our lives, Sustainer of the

universe: in the humility of the shepherds and the expectancy of the Magi we prayerfully pause in your presence.

We humbly bow before you because we recognize that life and light and love came down in a special way at

Christmas. We are reminded during these December days that in the one who was born in Bethlehem we see

human life as it is meant to be lived; we find light that pierces the gloom and enables us to cope with and

overcome even the most difficult circumstances that come our way; and we are reminded that no matter who or

what we are we are lovable and loved by you, our Creator, and thus we can love ourselves and others. And,

Great and Gracious God, we are expectant today because we are aware that Christmas brings out the best in

ourselves and in others. We know that we enjoy life much more when we and others are more concerned to:

give than to receive, forgive than to harbor grudges, love than to be indifferent, cheer than to chastise. We pray

that Christmas for us will be not just a day but a spirit that we will keep alive throughout the year because we

continually invite the Babe of Bethlehem to be born anew in and then to be expressed through our lives.property

 of newness runs through the whole economy of grace. May we face this new year with clear eyes

and firm faith. May this new year be a new beginning - a beginning filled with order, meaning and purpose.

Bless all our military and their families all over the world. In your name oh lord we pray, Amen.

Ralph "Chappy" Locke

Chaplain - Florida CVMA & PGR