December 27, 2009 - First Sunday After Christmas Day

Greeting
Leader: Hear now the call to the manger.
People: We offer our very selves to this holy child.
Leader: Join the mighty and the lowly in worshiping the infant King.
People: With the angels and shepherds we keel before Him.
Leader: Thanks be to God for the gift of his precious Son.
People: Glory to God in the highest!

Collect
Our God made flesh, with wonder and joy we come before you. We come from the aftermath of Christmas celebrations, contented though weary, relaxed and thankful. Please do not allow the glory of Bethlehem to slowly fade from our focus, but let it illuminate all our worship, our homes, and our service in the world. In the name of your holy Son, your greatest gift, who lives with us now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the People
Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift, has come in power and glory;
Wisdom has come to teach and guide us;
Emmanuel has come, the hope of all the peoples;
let us lift our voices in prayer with the saints
and cry out with the angels. Please respond to each petition with “Jesus, Be Born in Us.”

For the Church to whom a child is born;
For those who have become children of God;
For all who still seek the infant-king;
For people of faith among whom our God dwells:
May the Word Made Flesh raise in us a cry for justice,
a shout for joy, and a song of comfort for all people.
We pray: “Jesus, Be Born in Us.”

For the world in darkness that has seen a great light;
For all the ends of the earth that have seen the saving power of God;
For nations at war that dream of everlasting peace:
May the grace of God appear to them, saving them,
training them to live in hope and justice.
We pray: “Jesus, Be Born in Us.”

For those who have suffered this year;
For the unemployed or exploited;
For those unsure of where their next meal will come from;
For those made homeless by natural disaster or economic strife;
For marriages, families, relationships, and promises broken:
May the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster be smashed by the Lord’s holy arm.
We pray, “Jesus, Be Born in Us.”

For those we remember during this season;
For the Jewish people who celebrate the promise of the Lord’s light;
For children born and children hoped for;
For parents-to-be, parents dear,
or parents distanced by miles or emotional separation;
For loved ones ill or close to death;
For all those we keep in our hearts:
May they receive from God’s mercy grace upon grace.
We pray, “Jesus, Be Born in Us.”

For friends and family who have died
whom we miss most during this holiday season,
May Christ who brings glad tidings gather us together
into the eternal light of heaven.
We pray, “Jesus, Be Born in Us.”

Lord Jesus, Everlasting Light, and precious gift to all,
shine your mercy upon us and hear our prayers.
Do not let the darkness of doubt overcome us
but stir in us deeper faith in you.
We ask this in your name, Emmanuel,
God with us, for ever and ever. Amen.