A Litany for Christmas services by Margaret D. McGee.
Friends, let us pray together, calling on the blessing of the Savior Child, singing our new song of praise and joy.
We ask a blessing on the shepherds in the fields, keeping watch.
And on their flocks—on every lamb, ewe, and ram.
A blessing on those who gather together in your Name, and on those who wander far.
Let the fields be joyful, and all that is in them.
A blessing on anyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, throughout the season of Holy Birth.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.
A blessing on this gathering, and on all whom we love—those in life and those in loving memory.
(pause)
The grace of God has appeared among us.
The Spirit has been poured out on us richly.
A blessing on the nations—their leaders, and their people.
May the light of peace and good will shine in every assembly.
A blessing on the whole world.
Let the earth rejoice!
On every rock and every clump of soil.
Shout with joy, all you lands!
On the cities and the plains.
Let the trees of the wood shout for joy!
On every river, mountain, and sea.
Let the oceans thunder and the whales leap up!
O Holy One—God of Hosts,
O Holy One—Spirit of Truth,
O Holy One—Newborn Life and Light,
To you we sing our new song of love and joy; to you alone we pray.
Amen.
These prayers were first used at Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2010 services at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Port Townsend, Washington. They were written by Margaret D. McGee.
Inspiration and language for these prayers came from the assigned readings for Christmas day, which can be found on The Lectionary Page.
In the Courtyard 
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