God,
We prepare to pause to celebrate with friends and loved ones,
let us bring your love to those meetings around tree and table.
We remember that not everyone can celebrate together,
let us speak kindness to one another and treat the stranger with grace.
We look around us and see fear, confusion and uncertainty,
let us have our steps guided by the star of wonder to your side.
We hear those in authority speak hard words about and to one another,
let us continue to wage peace around the world and tear down barriers between us.
You wrapped yourself in humanity, you humbled yourself,
let the message of hope from the little baby of Bethlehem reconcile our worlds.
Amen.
