Bible Story Christmas Prayer

The news that the Word is made flesh
comes to us on the pages of our holy book.
Tens of thousands of Bibles opened around the world this night
and the good news read out in basilicas and barrios,
in chapels, churches and television broadcast studios.
In every language of the world the good news rings out,
“And it came to pass in those days.”
Thank you God for the gift of scripture,
telling us of those first witnesses of your coming.
Mary, heavy with child, journeying to Bethlehem.
Joseph, anxious with worry, hurrying to arrive in time.
The innkeeper, moved by compassion, helping the weary couple.
The animals, warm and heavy, gazing quietly on this stable birth.
The angels, massed and shining, singing glorious glad tidings.
The shepherds, on the ground, receiving brilliant news from heaven.
Thank you for the people who wrote this story down
and copied it out, manuscript after manuscript.
Thank you for those who preserved this good news,
even in the face of persecution and death.
Thank you for those who cherished it, and interpreted it,
who studied ancient languages and translated it,
serving up the Bible in words we can understand.
Thank you for this country, where we can worship without fear,
where scriptures can be read and passed on.
Thank you for the gospel of Christmas ringing out again this year,
as it has from the time of Christ, a story of peace
and goodwill to all people, a story of hope.
Holy Jesus, child of the world, child of God,
we welcome you into our world.
The Living Word, breathing among us,
a Saviour with surprisingly small fingers.

New Book Coming Soon!

Carol Penner has written a devotional book for Lent that explores the challenges of repentance and forgiveness. Forty reflections and prayers to deepen your walk with God as you prepare for Easter.  

You can order it here!

About Carol Penner

I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.

I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com

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  • Worship resources in a Mennonite voice for ears of all kinds

    Are you looking for resources for a Christian service? Feel free to use or adapt my prayers, poems and litanies. They are written in a Mennonite voice, for ears of all kinds. 

    Feel free to use these orally in a worship service (in-person or broadcasted)  , but if they are printed in a bulletin please use the following credit

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    Contact me for use in newsletters or printed resources, I am happy to grant permission but I would like to know how my writing is being used.  You can reach me at carol@leadinginworship.com.