A prayer for us to pray this Christmas:
Lord Jesus Christ, we remember today that though your people longed for your coming, many were not prepared to welcome you, failing to recognise you when you came.
Forgive us that we are equally closed sometimes to your coming in our lives, forcing you into a mould we have made for you, presuming your thoughts and your ways are the same as ours.
Forgive us that our expectations are so small and limited, shaped by looking at life from a human rather than eternal perspective.
Forgive us and help us to be prepared.
Teach us to examine ourselves – our words and deeds, thoughts and attitudes – and so live each day open to what you would do in and through us, to the glory of your name.
Amen
(Nick Fawcett)