Almighty God -
Let the gracious spirit of the little Child
as it knocks at the hearts of humankind
enter my life and bless it.
Let duty become touched with beauty
and justice be forgotten in love.
Let my obligations be changed to opportunities.
Let my ears hear the cry of the needy
and my heart feel the love of the unlovely.
Give me strength,
not to do great things,
but to do small things graciously.
Heal the wounds
of misunder¬standing, jealousy, or regret
that scar my heart,
and let the gentle air of the Christmas spirit
touch my life.
Grant me peace with the world
and peace in my own heart
that those I love and those whom I may help
may have sweet
joy and loving trust.
Amen.