Gracious and Heavenly God,
Three in One,
The Beginning and the End.

You know our hearts before we even speak,
snd we know that not everyone feels joy during this season.
so many have lost so much this year:

Loved ones,
Jobs,
Security,
and so much more.

And for many, this year, the cold feels a bit more bitter,
the wind blows over lonely hearts
and chills our joy.

On this Christmas Eve,
as we grieve with those who grieve,
and we await the coming dawn
showing us the arrival of our Savior
and the presence of Love.

Help us to remember your sweet words
and feel your sweet presence.
Sometimes we just need to be reminded.

Turn our sorrow into joy,
bring beauty from the ashes
as only you can do.

And be near the grievers.
Lift up the broken-hearted.
Heal us.

For you have told us that
you will never leave nor forsake your people
and tonight as we lay our heads down
in the midst of our long year,
heavy with the weight of our sorrows,
hold us until the dawn breaks
and hope arrives.