God of the waiting and the watching ones we praise you that you sent your Son to meet us. 

God of the frightened and the lonely ones we praise you that you sent your Son to calm and surround us. 

God of the oppressed and marginalized ones we praise you that you sent your Son to liberate and include us. 

God of the bereaved and hurting ones we praise you that you sent your Son to comfort and heal us. 

This Christmas fill our hearts with your love, that like Mary and Joseph we would be willing to take risks to proclaim your love to a hurting world, stand up against injustice and share the hospitality of your kingdom. 

We ask all this in the precious name of the Baby of Bethlehem. 

Amen