Jesus,
how clearly we see you at Christmas time,
cradled by Mary,
protected by Joseph,
worshiped by shepherds,
honored by kings,
enshrined on the altar,
and loved by the world.
But, oh, Lord,
help us look for you, too,
among the taxes of life,
and the wanderings of rootless travelers.
In the world’s smelly stables,
and in makeshift mangers.
In sweat-like drops of blood
and rough-hewn crosses, humanly fashioned.
Help us look, Lord –
and help us find!
Not only at Christmas,
but throughout a New Year
that it might become indeed
‘the year of our Lord’.
Mary Sue H. Rosenberger, American author
________________
Sow righteousness for yourselves,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes
and showers his righteousness on you.
prayer & verse 