a bidding prayer

For almost a hundred years, Christmas around the world, courtesy of the BBC, has been marked by a radio broadcast of an Anglican service of Nine Lessons and Carols.  It traces in Scripture, song, and anthems the history of salvation, culminating with the Incarnation of the Son of God.  An opening prayer is as relevant today as it was in the years following the first World War.  I commend it to you as we continue to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas, and as we will soon enter a new year:

Beloved in Christ, be it our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and with the shepherds and the wise men adore the child lying in his mother’s arms.
Let us pray for the needs of His whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill over all the earth; for unity and fellowship within the Church He came to build.
And because it would rejoice His heart, let us remember at this time the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick in body and in mind and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus.

And let us hold in our hearts all those who endure the depredations and travails of war, praying that the story of the Christ-child may draw them closer to the nearness of God's Love, and offer new hope in the gospel of peace and loving-kindness.

Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater Light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we forevermore are one.
These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the Name of Him Who was born, lived, suffered, died, rose, and ascended, and who intercedes for us and for all, and Who will return to redeem all those who adore Him, and reunite heaven and earth.