At this time of year as we sing “Silent night”
with its echoes of calm and heavenly peace,
we say a prayer for all who live in homes
where peace is absent.
We pray for children who live with fear,
whose homes are not a place of safety,
who live with beatings, both physical and verbal.
We pray for seniors and other vulnerable people
whose caregivers do not care
as they are neglected or degraded.
We pray for all who are emotionally abused,
and who are not loved, honoured and cherished.
We pray for women who have had to flee their homes
or are afraid to flee their homes.
We pray for women and men who have been sexually violated,
and who are haunted by terrible memories
and a continual fear of violation.
May love’s pure light this season empower us
to come to the aid of your hurting people.
We join together to sing Alleluia and thank you
for your grace that transforms our world.
In the name of the Holy Infant,
Christ our Saviour, Amen.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.