The poet, Paul Claudel has written:/ "Intelligence is nothing without delight."/ This time of year/ may we feel deeply the delight of gift-giving,/ shared table,/ charity for the poor,/ and heartfelt worship./ We pray to the Lord.
As Christmas draws near/ we pray for those who pilgrim to Bethlehem,/ and other places throughout the Holy Land./ For safety and peace./ We pray to the Lord.
At Christmastime we pray for households where family life is marred by addiction,/ anger or violence./ And for the safety of holiday travelers./ We pray to the Lord.
Celebrating the birth and infancy of Christ,/ we pray for the world's children:/ that each may be welcomed,/ loved,/ protected and helped to feel secure and glad./ We pray to the Lord.
In our hemisphere,/we are now in the time of gradually increasing light./ But may we be blessed with an increase of inner light,/ the light of justice,/ learning,/ and a fresh understanding of Christ's Gospel./ We pray to the Lord.
At Christmas we sing the carol, "Joy to the World./ We pray for those feel no joy,/ but the sorrow of fighting,/ who are mourning the loss of a loved one,/ or who are recovering from personal disaster./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the President of the United States/ and public servants around the world./ Grant that those in leadership would desire sense more than power and privilege./ We pray to the Lord.
