And the Word became flesh and walked among us.

Away in a manger no crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay. The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.1

Father,

Today, we celebrate the birth of our Messiah, your Son, Christ Jesus. On this special occasion, we worship you and give thanks for your infallible plan of redemption for your elect. Your saints on earth glorify the birth of our Lord and King. Father, I pray that the love and self-sacrifice of Jesus be felt across the entire world. That the light of the Lord illuminates every haven of darkness. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5 ESV)  Grant us your peace and grace. In the name of the Alpha and Omega, the beautiful name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Author (st. 1-2): Anonymous (1885)

Author (v. 3, attr.): John T. McFarland (1892)

Author (attributed to): Martin Luther