We are called to have faith and to prepare for the coming of Christ in our world.
But we too often imagine a babe in a manger than a true commitment to repenting of our lifestyles of wanting and having more than enough.

You would have us to make a path that we may not want to walk on – one that leads us out of the deserts of delight and the wildernesses of waywardness.

In this season of consumerism and extravagance, we too often prefer luxuries over love, jewelry over justice, and parties over peace.

Goad us to true faithfulness, where we forgive those who have wronged us, restore those who we’ve alienated, and give to those whom we don’t think have earned it.

Help us to clear a path for you to come into our hearts and souls.

Transform our spirits to abide by your virtues and values in all we think, say, and do.

May we unlearn the rules of our society as we welcome in your ways of loveliness and grace.

Remove from our way the boulders of apathy, the briars of self-centeredness, and the quagmires of acquisitiveness.

Inspire us to imagine your better world, and to live in the way that would make it real; as did the Prince of Peace whose coming we honor.

Amen
 
Rev. Bret Stuart Myers, 12/3/2014