A Christmas Prayer  

Emmanuel, God with us you chose to come for each person,                                                      

the destitute and the wealthy, the unfortunate and the privileged,

the troubled and the peaceful,  the healthy and the ill.

You came in human form with a message of extravagant love,

 showing us how to be with those who have much less than we do.

 You came offering a gesture of respect and reverence instead of indifference and disdain;

giving courteous kindness in place of thoughtless disregard;

contributing ongoing support rather than merely holiday handout.

Change my heart. Turn it inside out, toward the larger world.

Remind me daily of those who struggle with their basic existence.

Lead me to help change social systems that contribute to this ongoing struggle.

Enlarge my awareness. Increase my generosity.

Guide my choices of how to live, what I purchase, and how I use my material wealth.

Remind me often of your presence in those I tend to ignore or forget

Boundless Love,  thank you for cherishing each person on this planet

Joyce Rupp