The Christmas Prayer

Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas can include the following:

• Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12 •
• Psalm 147:12-20 or Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 •
• Ephesians 1:3-14 •
• John 1:(1-9), 10-18

• We don't always get a 2nd Sunday after Christmas

• so our reflections about Christmas an be curtailed

• which is rather a pity because the readings for today are terrific.

• They tell us about the wonder of what God is doing

• in the birth of Jesus

• Through Jeremiah he says:

• I am bringing my people home

• those who are weeping will know true consolation

• We shall be filled with rejoicing

• and everything will be brought to a wonderful completion.

• This message is for you and me

• it is for all God's people

• All will be well, and all will be well

• and all manner of things will be well

• to quote Mother Julian of Norwich

• And St Paul reminds us that God's work in our life is not accidental

• we are chosen in Christ

• not just today

• but before the foundation of the world.

• We are called into the closest relationship with God

• like children and parents.

• This is lavished upon us.

• We are part of God's plan for abundant life

• for eternal life

• this God pledges to us

• as free gift.

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A gift fit for kings

• What often supplants this 2nd Sunday of Christmas

• is the feast of the Epiphany

• when we particularly recall the visit of the Wise Men

• The lavish gifts that they bring

• remind us that what God is giving to us

• is of great value

• it is abundant life, it is of spiritual depth;

• and it traverses the grave

• This is not very different from what we are celebrating today.

• The free gift of abundant life

• Grace upon grace

• which comes when we know Jesus.

• Our prayer today

• is the same as it was on Christmas Day

• Open yourself to the gift of God

• let this be your prayer this Christmas (and indeed every day)

• Christ I receive this gift

• Christ I want this gift

• Christ you are the gift.

The sacrament of Holy Communion

we call it the Real Present

is the outward and visible sign of what God is offering you and me

as you make your communion today

pray to receive this gift with grace

not reluctantly, or embarrassedly

but gladly.

As God gives us freely

...an act of grace...

Receive that gift graciously

and well.

Recommit yourself to Jesus today

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• • Christ I receive this gift

  • Christ I want this gift

  • Christ you are the gift

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