Loving Lord, today we remember all families. We give great thanks to Mary and Joseph who’s shining example of parenthood leaves a legacy of unwavering duty and unconditional love for us to aspire to. Hear our prayers we bring before you.
We pray as we are reminded that faith is an anchor in the face of our struggles. Help our faith to secure us in times of trouble and uncertainty.
As war and conflict continues to dominate the world, we pray for peace. May those that have lived, fought and worked through conflict find some inner peace this Christmas. May the Holy Spirit walk beside them and give them hope that peace is possible.
We pray for those that do not have enough. Enough food, warmth, shelter and love. May those that do not have enough feel the love of God within them this Christmas. May they seek what they need to thrive and may others help and recognise their plight.
We pray for ourselves, our families, our friends and our community gathered here today. May this special season bring us closer to one another and may previous disagreements, or unresolved conflict, be cast aside as we enter a New Year of hope and joy.
We pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Let this Christmastide, bring us closer to the infant Jesus and may his birth bring about a newness in each of us.
Loving Lord, unite all Christians this Christmas with the arrival of your son, Immanuel, God with Us, to the world we are saved. Amen.