Opening Prayer – December 2, 2018

Dear Jesus,Thank you for all your beauty. It really shines this time of year. Thank you for providing a free place to worship without fear. Thank you for an abundance that comes from your overflowing love.

There was a time when I relished the buildup toward Christmas. With all the holiday lights, Christmas songs. snowflakes. I looked forward to time with family. I still look forward to these things but it seems to come all in a rush. I have to shoehorn time with you. You are the greatest gift to us. A sign of great love. Help prepare our hearts for Christmas this season with your holy spirit. Let it wrap us like a blanket. Bring us closer together and more importantly bring us closer to your son. You are the grace and strength; the food that fuels our day. Lead all people together this season. As you taught, help us welcome the foreigners among us. You are the light of the world and can dispel all darkness. I ask us to take a moment now to center our hearts and minds on You, on your good news and on the teaching today.