Friends in Christ: Let us hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind go to Bethlehem and see the loving-kindness of our God, and the baby lying in a manger.  We hear this through the words of God and the carols we sing together. But first let us pray to God for the needs of the whole world.

Heavenly Father, bring peace and goodwill among all people, so that we may learn to love one another, as your children. With you Lord, we remember tonight the poor and hopeless; the homeless, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all those who do not yet know or love the Lord Jesus. We give thanks for the light you bring to the world in Jesus. According to our tradition, as we wait for the light of Christ, we will signify this tomorrow by lighting the Christ Candle on the Advent wreath.