Preparing the Heart for Christmas

O THOU! of Whom the prophets have spoken as of a God who carest for this world which Thou hast made; provident, foreseeing, far-seeing; Thou Who preparest rain for the earth; Who, when Thy Son was to be manifested to the world, didst prepare for Him a body; Who, when He was to teach, didst send Thy messenger to prepare His way; teach us to prepare our hearts for this heavenly Guest, whose coming we are about to celebrate; that by deeds of thoughtful charity and love, we may make ready for Him who is the God of Love. Grant that we may cast out of the temple of our body all that doth defile, that so it may be a meet abode for Him who once did tabernacle in the flesh among men. Let us so trim our lamps, that when the festal portals shall be opened, we may go joyously in, to feast with the Bridegroom.

And at this glad season, let us for awhile still the wail of woe, and the song of sadness, and lift up our hearts in more rejoicing strains.

We would thank Thee for each noble thought that has dwelt within us; for each throb of gratitude and love to Thee. We thank Thee for each hour when, untrammelled by man’s poor criticism, we have joyfully in Thy word held communion with Thee.

We bless Thee for all the sweet influences by which the harshness of our lives is tempered, for the love of friends, for wife and children, for the merriment of music, for the loftiness of art, for the depths of science.

And for those who cannot be with us to swell this chorus of rejoicing praise,—though with the bodily ear they may not hear our song, yet let the strain of sadness be stilled in their hearts, and some sweet song sing itself within them.

Grant unto us the preparation of the heart, that when Thou knockest, we may with gladness rise and open. Let us cast out of our hearts all malice and uncharitableness, that so we may fitly, if not altogether worthily, receive our heavenly Guest; that, walking lowly towards God and charitably towards man, we may joyfully celebrate His coming.—AMEN.