Shout for joy
the whole earth,
and everything within.
Rejoice!
For Light has come into the world.
The mountains sing,
the seas resound
to the praise of your name.
Salvation
once promised is here on earth.
The angels' song
rings in the air,
a child has been born.
Hallelujah!
The Saviour of the world is here.
— © John Birch, used with permission.

Prayer

Loving Father, help us to remember the story of Christ's birth,
so that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds
and the wisdom of the wise men.
Close the doors of hate and open the door of love in our lives.
Let kindness accompany every gift we give
and good wishes enrich every greeting we exchange.
Deliver us from selfishness by the blessing which Christ alone can bring,
and teach us to be glad with a pure heart,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Robert Louis Stevenson.