Then pealed the bells

Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,

Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. (Luke 2 - MSG)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

God, this time of year is full of traditions, memories, and special events. Even as we remember and reflect and renew our earthly relationships, help us remember the "old familiar" story of your birth is the center of it all.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Thank you for the men and women who have passed down the Christian faith through the years. Thank you for the martyrs, the persecuted church, those that are ridiculed and scored for their faith - both in the past and in the present. Thank you for the witness of all your people through times and places for the Good News of Jesus Christ. Help us to take this faith and live it out in the here and now and pass it on to future generations.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

God, for the many places in the world that are still under the thumb of the evil one we pray for deliverance. For those bound in slavery, for those oppressed by governments, for those whose existence is tied to evil - we pray for release for the captives, restoration of sight to the spiritually blind, and the reclamation of the Good News in lives and hearts currently crowded by the many faces of evil. We pray for peace to come into these situations and into every life yearning to know your peace.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for being living, wonder-working, and the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank you for showing your power in our world and faithfully keeping your promises. Thank you for your protection, your provision, your revealed holiness.

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!*

Come, Lord Jesus, come. We need you to finish the work you have begun, turning this fallen, dark world back to goodness and life and abundant life. Use us for the work we can do until there is peace on earth and good will to all.

Amen.

(*by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)