Let The Star of Morning Rise

Lord God,

in the deepest night

there rises the star of morning,

of birth,

the herald of a new day you are making,

a day of great joy dawning

in yet faint shafts

of light and love.

I hear whispers of peace in the stillness,

fresh breezes of promise

stirring,

winter sparrows

chirping of life,

a baby’s cry

of need

and hope —

Christmas!

In the darkness I see the light

and find comfort,

confidence,

cause for celebration,

for the darkness cannot overcome it;

and I rejoice to nourish it

in myself,

in other people,

in the world

for the sake of him

in whom it was born

and shines forever,

even Jesus the Christ.

—Ted Loder, Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle