An opening prayer

Almighty God, We have all travelled to be at this service. Some may have come from a distance In order to spend Christmas with family or friends. Others may be here from the local community; Still others have come because this is their regular place of worship. An opening prayer

This evening we will hear of many journeys; Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem; The shepherds running to see the baby; the wise men coming from afar with gifts; The holy family fleeing to Egypt. An opening prayer

As we hear again about these journeys, Give us a deeper understanding Of what it must have meant To play a part in this story. An opening prayer

But let us not lose sight of the greatest journey of all; That of Jesus, who though He could claim the highest place by right, Laid His glory aside, and came to be one of us, Born in a stable to an ordinary couple. An opening prayer

Even as we rejoice in the birth of this child, May we bow down in worship before Him; For He is the one who lived, died and was raised, So that just as He shared in our poverty, So we may share in His glory. Amen An opening prayer