By Danny Belrose

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots….The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them….They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Wave Offerings, Herald Publishing House, p. 123

 Come Now, Nativity of Peace!

1. Come now, Nativity of Peace!
   Be born in us we pray
   And from your startlit stable birth
   Transform death’s night to day
   On earth, O God, on earth.
2. Come now, Nativity of Peace!
   Our world awaits Christ’s birth
   Of right relationships restored,
   Affirming each soul’s worth—
   On earth, O God, on earth.
3. Come now, Nativity of Peace!
   Alive in ev’ry nation—
   An active peace that will not dwell
   In splendid isolation
   On earth, O God, on earth.
4. Come now, Nativity of Peace—
   Where gender bears no blessing,
   Where names for God do not divide
   Our many truths confessing
   On earth, O God, on earth.
5. Come now, Nativity of Peace—
   Not resident in heav’n,
   But birthed within the here and now
   To make of earth a heav’n
   On earth, O God, on earth.

 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.