Lord, As We Linger in the Presence of Christ's Sacred Birth, (A Christmas Prayer)

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 

We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, 

who came from the Father, 

full of grace and truth.

From our House to Yours

Joyous Christmas Blessings~

Lord, as we come, like shepherds and wise men of old this morn

To gather in the stable where Christ, our Saviour was born

Waken a sweeter wonder as our gifts of worship ring

Renew a humbler hunger for the hope you came to bring

Lord, as we haste to see the Baby in a manger bed

And gaze on He who came as sin’s atonement in our stead

Impress on us anew love’s allotment of joy and grief

Then kindle purer gratitude, abolish unbelief

Lord, as we kneel before You, let the incense of prayers rise

In utter adoration, as we consider faith’s Prize

Deliver us from evil, tune our hearts to hear Your Voice

Where this dark world seeks to drown angel-anthems of 'rejoice!'

Lord, as we linger in the Presence of Christ’s sacred Birth

As You unveil Your glory in the highest to the earth

As we behold Your glory, full of grace and truth, Lord, then

Increase in us glad tidings of peace and goodwill. Amen

© Janet Martin

Luke 2:8-20

Glory in the Highest

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill[e] toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [f]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Joy to the World (Traditional)