the all of Christmas,
which is Christ.
© Wilda English

We thank Thee, O God, for the return
of the wondrous spell of this Christmas season
that brings its own sweet joy
into our jaded and troubled hearts.
Forbid it, Lord, that we should celebrate
without understanding what we celebrate,
or, like our counterparts so long ago,
fail to see the star or
to hear the song of glorious promise.
As our hearts yield to the spirit of Christmas,
may we discover that it is Thy Holy Spirit
who comes- not a sentiment, but a power-
to remind us of the only way
by which there may be peace on the earth
and good will among men.
May we not spend Christmas, but keep it,
that we may be kept in its hope,
through Him who emptied Himself in coming to us
that we might be filled with peace
and joy in returning to God.
© Peter Marshall