God of Christmas

God of Christmas, full of love and forgiveness, where true joy and hope are found, thank you for the ultimate Christmas gift that keeps on giving, the gift of that first Christmas when You became flesh and walked among us. May we accept that gift and not only accept it but open it each new day instead of leaving it on the shelf for the tomorrow that never comes. May we not be selfish and keep the gift to ourselves but share it with abandonment with those around us. May we help them to open and share Your gift of love that poured down from heaven in the form of a baby that was laid in a manger...a feeding trough...who became the Bread of life...eternal life with You. May the Bethlehem Star shine bright within us as we strive to live as Advent people each and every day of our faith walk with You. Amen