A CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER

FOR THE PEOPLE OF NEWTOWN CT

Isaiah 9:2-7

2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

It is dark tonight, O God

Dark in our hearts

in our homes

in our nation

We are darkened anew

by anger and madness

grief and violence

heartache and numbness

We want to turn away

ignore the news

not wanting to be touched or moved

We sit in darkness

of endless debate

unnamed fear

political divide

We get lost searching for answers

discouraged seeking solutions

fatigued by losing hope

And we wonder

Wonder when the shootings will stop

Wonder when the violence will end

Wonder if we'll ever feel safe

Wonder if we'll ever have peace

Shine on us, O God

Shine from the manger of Bethlehem

into the night in Newtown and Aurora

Shine from the song of the angels

into broken hearts and empty bedrooms

Comfort us, O God

Comfort us as we cry in the night

and rise to the dawn

Comfort us as we bury our children

and surrender their dreams

Come, Lord Jesus

Come and break our cycles of violence

and show us the ways of peace

Come and hush our hatred

and teach us how to love

Come, Lord Jesus

Come and teach us to sing again

with the angels

Come and show us how to wonder anew

with the shepherds

Come and help us to worship joyfully

with the wise men

Come and help us ponder quietly

with the mother by the manger

Come, Lord Jesus

Come today

Come to tomorrow

Come now and always

Amen