Almighty God, you have come to us as a small child and brought us the gift of eternal love. We thank you for the prophets' hope, for the angels' songs, for the wondrous birth of the Savior. We thank you for the star to guide us to Jesus. We thank you for the promise of peace on earth and goodwill toward all people.

Help us, we pray at this Christmas time, to celebrate your promise of peace by living with hope for justice.

In this season of joy, our thoughts focus on the little town of Bethlehem, nestled in the hills near Jerusalem. Yet even as our hearts are warmed with familiar songs of Christmas, we remember that the children of Abraham - Jews, Christians and Muslims - who still live in these sacred places are not yet at peace. We pray that you will guide those in positions of authority that they may strive sincerely for justice and compassion in the Holy Land.

Like Jesus, we too are drawn to the City of David, the City of Peace. Help us, O God, as we resolve anew to pray and to work for the peace of Jerusalem. Give us the strength, the wisdom and the courage to pursue a pastoral and prophetic ministry. Enable us to be agents of reconciliation and hope in Jerusalem, in our own neighborhoods and throughout the world: through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.