Here’s an opening prayer of invocation for Christmas from Rev.
Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational in Rochester,
NH.
Prayer of Invocation
We have waited for a long time
for your hope, your joy, your love
to shine in the darkness of this
world, Almighty God.
Even now, in our gathering here, we
await you.
In our hearts, we still hope that
your light will blaze forth,
banishing the shadows of this world
and guiding all the people back to
you.
Yet you did not come into this world
in a show of power and glory.
You did not shine forth for all of creation to behold.
A tiny spark –
a newborn baby,
visible to parents and curious animals.
A host of angels –
away from the populated areas,
singing to migrant workers.
A sparkling star –
guiding foreigners to see what neighbors could not.
Open our hearts, merciful God,
to the sparks of your presence
still in this world.
Open our eyes,
that we might behold your presence
in the least likely of places,
and among the least likely of
people.
God with us,
kindle your spark within us,
that together we may shine forth your light,
we might banish the shadows of this world,
we might be the continuation of the Christmas miracle:
Emmanuel is in this world,
God is with us, now and evermore.
Illumine our hearts, gracious God,
that we might speak anew the words
your Son will teach us...
~
written by Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational
in Rochester, NH.
