Take me to Bethlehem
House of bread
Where the empty are filled
The poor find riches
And the rich recognise their poverty
Where all kneel and worship
And all are fed.
Song “Lead me on”
A candle is lit.
I light a candle for light, sending
prayers high into the inky heavens and
dreams deep into our human soul.
We light a candle for light. May it light our way.
Psalm 73
When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
22 Then I was stupid and ignorant;
I was like an animal before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your plan,
And afterward receive me to glory.
We say the Lord’s Prayer in our own language
We pray for people and situations that are on our hearts today...
For peace in Ukraine and Gaza. For release of Israeli and Palestinian hostages. For Russia, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan.
For the over a million refugees worldwide,
For people who are homeless, hungry, persecuted
For those who fight for the earth and for justice for its people
May we not fail you though we face great dangers.
Give us your peace, wisdom and strength. Amen
Song “Oh God of earth and altar”
When the star in the sky has gone
And the wise men have gone back to their homes
The real work of Christmas begins
To find the lost,
heal the broken,
feed the hungry
and release the prisoner. Amen
With thanks to © Janet Morley adapted