25 December, 2021
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Eternal Father, Omnipotent God, in the capacity of Triune Godhead, you have created the whole universe out of nothing, and with such perfect precision that your entire creation changes and unchanges according to your perfect timing, in clockwork collaboration.
When mankind fell from your favor, you banished them from your sight for their wickedness and disobedience, but, being created in your own image and falling from your grace into the bondage of Satan and the fallen angels, you planned their deliverance and salvation by sending the second Godhead of your Son Jesus, to redeem them and restore them to you.
Yes Lord, out of the depths of darkness you set us free, reestablishing us by granting your free grace and by mercy and justice forging a new covenant with your lost peoples. Jesus, our Savior showed us your light and dispelled forever the slavery of sin and death. His birth, though it took place in a lowly stable, was announced with great grandeur and rejoicing from the heavens and gave hope and peace to king and shepherd alike.
Jesus departed from the world, taking the curse of our sins with him and giving us grace, freedom, a relationship with you Father, and adoption to sonship. By following his doctrines and your already established laws, our mission to evangelize your word to all people is possible because of our rebirth in the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, through our baptism.
You are our living God, who is the mighty king and master of creation and we live and breathe through your command and counsel. You are the peacemaker and your reign is eternal and will endure forever. We celebrate Jesus, our Emmanuel’s birth with great joy and gladness, knowing that we are saved in his mighty Name. Amen