Dear Jesus,

Keep us from conjuring the Christmas we think we should have.
Instead, allow us to make space for the Christmas that is,
and only is, you.

Teach us to stay in the moment of new life a little longer
in the moment of enfleshment, of first steps, of gurgling laughter.

Help us not to skip over your life,

But invite us in as we invite you
into our hands and feet to do your work.

Show us where we may be bread for the hungry
And a cool cup of water for those that thirst.

Let Christmas be our own annunciation.
Let us see you, Oh God, in all your messy humanness
That made blood and tears sacred.
Let us gaze into your beloved many faced - face.

And whatever we are this day, let it be enough.
Anoint our pain with your presence
So that we may be present, in the flesh, to our lives.

Amen.