Invocation for Christmas Eve Service - 2022
This night, O Lord, we celebrate and meditate. We are here to bask in the light of your coming, to revel in your incarnation. And we are here to open ourselves to you, that you would have your way with us. “Come, thou Long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. From our fears and sins release us. Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art. Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.” But we are here recognizing that some may find this season hard. Grief at the loss of loved ones, at the loss of livelihood, at the loss of health and independence. Others find this season difficult because they’re working at the hospital, out on patrol, on call for fire emergencies, or deployed far away from their families. For them we pray you to preserve them, fill them with the satisfaction of knowing that they’re not forgotten, and that they’re engaged in an honorable task. And with many of them, we pray: “Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a king. Born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone. By thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.” Amen.
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