Father, you are the God of preparation. You prepared the prophets to speak hard truth to your people. You prepared the workers to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, despite the opposition’s taunting and threats. You foretold the Messiah’s coming hundreds of years prior to his birth. Prepare hearts, now as we lead up to the celebration of Christmas. Give new meaning and purpose to our worship and programs. Plant your design for gatherings. Light the spark of faith in unconsidered hearts. Start them down the path toward true repentance and belief. Show us our part. Give us the words. Bring up the songs of praise. Raise the prayers of the saints. Be glorified in the outcome, Father. Lead us to your throne. Lead us to Jesus himself. I pray in the name and authority of Jesus, the Christ, according to your good and perfect will. Amen.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2: 13-14 ESV)