As we celebrate Christmas, our field of view narrows and we focus on the miracle of the new-born Saviour lying in a manger. 

 

And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

Luke 2:7 

 

In churches and in homes we see the crib scene set out for us. On Christmas cards we see this picture. The crib is not there just as decoration, like the lights in our shopping centres. The crib is there for devotion and prayer. 

 

Pausing in front of the scene, we focus on Jesus Christ, the one in whom God shared our human flesh. We ask that in all the 

busy-ness of Christmas, we can meet him and know him. 

 

So we pray: 

 

Lord, by the song of the angels 

you disclosed your birth to your own people, 

and by the leading of a star 

you revealed your glory to strangers. 

Teach us to know you now, 

and to make you known to all. 

Amen 

 

Bill Rogers 

Team Priest, Forest and Avon Team 

Assistant Rural Dean, Alderbury Deanery 

 

This prayer is from Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000), which is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000.