The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us.
—Isaiah 9.2, 8
God of love,
come be with us in our long night,
shining with your grace.
Let the light of your presence
shine in this world’s darkest darkness.
May the birth of Christ transform our night,
redeem the darkest prison,
brighten the inkiest shadows,
and illumine our way.
Christ, morning radiance of our hearts
dawn within us.
Come, light of love,
be born in us.
Alleluia!
—December 24, 2018