Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

[Excerpted from December 2024 Advent Worship Planning Tools]

Mother of peace, we rejoice on this Christmas Day, for Mary has brought new life, new joy, new love, and new hope into a lamenting world in the form of your Son, Jesus!

Jesus: a baby in need of nurture, holding, cradling, swaddling.

Jesus: a baby so tiny and soft, yet bursting with possibility and strength!

Jesus: the hope of the world!

May the seemingly impossible and yet absolutely ordinary creation of a new baby inspire us to strive for peace in our towns and stables.

Peace: a seedling in need of nurture.

Peace: a seedling so tiny, yet bursting with possibility!

Peace: the hope of the world!

May we lean on you the way a mother leans on a midwife. May we guide peace into being the way a midwife guides a mother. And may we rejoice in peace the way we rejoice in the birth of your Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace! Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy” (Luke 2:10).

Kindling the Light

Choose a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably. Place a candle or small light in front of you. Take a few slow breaths, letting the noise of the day settle. Light the candle. As you strike the match or switch on the light, say softly:
“I make room for joy to grow within me.
I make room for the light that connects me to others.
I make room for the Spirit of Christ.”
Pause for a few breaths, letting the glow of the light fill your awareness.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.