PRAYER BEFORE CHRISTMAS DINNER

God of all gifts,
we thank you for the many ways you have blessed us this day.
We are grateful each of those who are gathered around this table.
We ask you to bless us and our food
and to bless those we love who are not with us today.
In our gratitude and love,
we remember your humble birth into our lives
and pray for those who are without enough to eat.
We remember the stable in which you were born
and pray for those who have no place to live.
We remember your challenging message of caring and giving
and we pray for peace in families and nations throughout the world.
We bless you and give you thanks in your Spirit
who brings our hearts to life the Christmas Day and forever.  

Amen