Almighty God,
We gather this evening in the cold and dark of winter to sing songs of joy and hope, to bring light into the darkness and to bring warmth and hope to the hearts of those troubled by doubts and fear. May each candle be a prayer for peace and a sign of our resolve that the darkness will not prevail.
We thank you, O God, for the unquenchable hope of the prophets, the liberating peace of the angels, and for the inexpressible joy we find in Christ our Savior. We thank you, O God, for the Christmas spirit that unites us and for the presence of your Spirit to inspire us tonight and throughout the coming year.
We ask now O God that you continue to bless our homes, our community and our nation with peace and gratitude. This we ask in Jesus' Name,
Amen.