Evening Prayer for Christmas

My Jesus, my Immanuel, my King, my Relation, my Friend! In spirit I still lie prostrate before Thy manger, and ponder Thy Incarnation. And how can I better close this day which the Lord has made, or better prepare myself for a sweet and refreshing sleep, than by such meditations? I acknowledge Thee, O incarnate Saviour, as the true Messiah, as the Redeemer of the world sprung from David’s line, in whom all things that the prophets have spoken are fulfilled. Thou wast born at the time, at the place, of the family, and of the mother, which Thy heavenly Father in the days of the Old Testament covenant had appointed, indicated, and made known. Why then should I not acknowledge Thee as the true Saviour, and heartily rejoice over Thy manifestation in the flesh? What the company of the Patriarchs wished and longed for and foretold, has been gloriously fulfilled.

When I think of these things, and reflect upon the boundless blessings which through them have become mine, my heart leaps for joy. Thou art the high and exalted God, who wast before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the sea were formed, and who shalt remain when all these shall have fallen into ruin. Thou art the eternal Jehovah, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, who art, and who wast, and who art to come, the Almighty. And yet Thou dost not despise the human race, but for its sake dost become the humblest and most despised. O the depth of such love and grace! How blessed is my lot, to behold such a Redeemer lying in a manger! Let me not go away without an awakening of my soul, but let all that I have learned from the contemplation of Thy birth help to sanctify me and strengthen my faith. Thou wast born in the night: grant that I may flee the darkness of sin, and ever walk in Thy light as in the day. Thou earnest to earth when stillness and repose reigned over all: may I obtain true repose of heart in Thee. Let me avoid the turmoil of the world, that Thou mayest find an abode in me. O my Immanuel, seeking Thee in spirit, I find Thee in an inn: grant me grace to regard the world as an inn, where I shall tarry for a brief period only. Let me in good time direct my thoughts to that home where I desire to dwell forever, and labor to enter into Thy rest. Thou wast born in a stable, an inconvenient place: grant that I may cheerfully endure all hardships, and be content with my lot in this world, just as Thy goodness may see fit to order it. Thou didst lie in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes: wrap Thyself in my heart, and let it be Thine abode.

How blessed I shall be, if Thou wilt in mercy fulfill all these my desires! I doubt not that Thou nearest me. I believe confidently that Thou wilt satisfy my longings. Calmly and peacefully, therefore, I now retire to rest and sleep within Thy sheltering arms, and say: O tender Infant, enter in, And dwell with me for aye; Strengthen within me faith and love; Lord, hear me, as I pray. Amen.