# Christmas prayer: Let us adore the Lord Jesus who came into the world
*2015-12-25*

> Bill Young wishes listeners a Merry Christmas and reflects on the many gifts God has given us, culminating in a prayer of adoration for the Incarnation.

## A Christmas greeting

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. First, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. At this time of year we try to remember the true meaning of the feast.

## The abundance of God’s gifts

Last week I attended a beautiful Christmas pageant that began with the Nativity and ended with the Passion of Christ. After the service the pastor presented a small package, saying that it represented God’s relationship to us, which we are invited to receive.

God has given us an abundance of gifts: the sacraments, the Holy Spirit, the Mass and the Body and Blood of Christ, the priests, religious, deacons, and the whole communion of saints. He has given us the Church, the Pope, the bishops, and the many families and friendships that make up the Body of Christ. Above all, He gave us His Son—His birth, His life, and ultimately His death for our sins. Like a loving Father, He has spoiled us with more gifts than we can ever fully comprehend.

## Prayer of adoration

Lord Jesus, eagerly awaited by humanity for centuries, we greet and adore You in the name of all creation. We give thanks for Your coming to save us, fulfilling David’s promise. We honor You with all the joy and reverence we can muster.

We cry, “Glory, honor, blessed be You, the Word made flesh.” We adore You, Son of God, and we honor Mary, your most holy Mother. We adore You in Your humility, the Lamb of God who took away our sins. We adore You, the Bread of Life, who gives us true life.

We adore You because You united Yourself with us in our tears and suffering, that we might find true happiness. We adore You, O God, who became a child, and we proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest.”

We love You with the heart of Mary, and we offer You our whole being, the love that You have poured into us. We hold You close in our humble hearts, empowered by the strength You give.

Divine Victim of Love, You came to bring us peace, hope, and joy. O Jesus, Divine Child, may all who are present be embraced by You, and may we never be separated from You. Amen.

## Closing blessing

God bless you all, and have a Merry Christmas.

*May we cherish the greatest gift of all—Christ’s birth, life, and love.*