….the mind of the Spirit is life and peace

Romans 8:6 ESV

Gracious God, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of your son Jesus, we thank you that He came to live among us, to bring your love to earth and to restore our relationship with You.

Loving God, as we set our mind on You, may your Holy Spirit inspire us with hope and purpose; may we find rest and peace as we wait and prepare to celebrate the birth of a baby, the Christ child, whose life, death and resurrection gifted us eternal life and true and lasting peace.

Merciful God, we pray in the midst of divisions, difficulties and sadness in this world, that Jesus would gather us to his heart and lead us in ways of truth, kindness and compassion.  May your Spirit of restoration, unity and peace descend on our world this Christmas, for Jesus sake.  Amen.

Ruth Rushworth