Loving God,

As we wait with barely suppressed excitement to celebrate the birth of Your Son, remind us of the reasons He came. Help us to face the sins in our lives and turn from them. Help us to continue Your work, to side with the poor, marginalised and powerless, and to call out the absence of moral behaviour among the rich, well-connected and powerful. As we light the Christmas lights, let them also shine the light of Your love into dark corners where it is most needed, as we give to family and friends, inspire us to also give to those who are in need, and as we eat celebratory foods, inspire us to feed the hungry, for this is the example You lived, the example You call us to follow, in Jesus’ name.

Amen