Today is December 26.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9. 
 

The people walking in darkness 
    have seen a great light; 
on those living in the land of deep darkness 
    a light has dawned. 
3 You have enlarged the nation 
    and increased their joy; 
they rejoice before you 
    as people rejoice at the harvest, 
as warriors rejoice 
    when dividing the plunder. 
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, 
    you have shattered 
the yoke that burdens them, 
    the bar across their shoulders, 
    the rod of their oppressor. 
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle 
    and every garment rolled in blood 
will be destined for burning, 
    will be fuel for the fire. 
6 For to us a child is born, 
    to us a son is given, 
    and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace 
    there will be no end. 
He will reign on David’s throne 
    and over his kingdom, 
establishing and upholding it 
    with justice and righteousness 
    from that time on and forever. 
The zeal of the Lord Almighty 
    will accomplish this. 
 

I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord. 
 
Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray… 
 
The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.