Immanuel, God with us, how we need you today. There is much beauty in this world, a reflection of Your glory. There is much darkness, those places where the hearts of men have turned from You. And when we turn from You, we turn on each other. This Christmas, the very place where You became God in flesh for us finds itself a theater of battle and hurt, loss and grief.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Be our Prince of Peace.
Savior, we long to see Your light. We too often are separated from our unity in You by opinions and parties, issues and ideologies. Help us, Lord, to love each other well. Help us to love as You have loved us. Shine your light into the places where we hold envy and enmity against each other. Bind us again as one body, a bride made ready for You.
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Be our Prince of Peace.
Lamb of God, remind us that to love like You means that we sacrifice. We extend grace. We forgive as you have forgiven us. You have come to us as a gentle lamb, laying down heaven to be with us, laying down Your precious life for ours. May we love like You.
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29
Be our Prince of Peace
Redeemer, as the world takes a pause on this Holy Night, as a weary world rejoices at Your birth, come into hearts that have not known You. Quicken the souls of those who do not yet know Your voice. Redeem us, redeem our fellow humans. Make us ready for Your return.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of His grace
Ephesians 1:7
Be our Prince of Peace. Amen.
~Julie Lyles Carr