Emmanuel, thank you for so loving this world
… that you came to live among us,
… not as a wealthy, overpowering ruler,
… but as a poor, refugee carpenter,
… inviting imperfect followers to join your project
… of world transformation.
Bless all who gather in your name today,
… that we may choose to follow you
… and spread your self-sacrificing love
… to friend and foe alike. Amen.