Glory to God in the Highest!
A Prayer on Christmas Day

O Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth shall declare your praise.

Glory to God in the highest.

And peace to God’s people on earth.

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

At the coming in the flesh of your own dear Son,

O great Light of all nations, help us to sing the new song

of your loving presence

as we see your majesty, honor and power

in the face of our blessed Savior.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

READING

John 1:1-14

CANTICLE OF THE HEAVENLY HOST

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One.
you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High.

Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

RESPONSE

Almighty God and Father of light,

your eternal Word leaped down from heaven

in the silent watches of the night,

and now your church is filled with wonder

at the nearness of her God.

Open our hearts to receive his life

that our lives may be filled with his peace,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

May the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth,

bless us and keep us.

Amen.

Adapted from A Seasonal Book of Hours, William G. Storey, 2001.