Letting the Story Speak

This Christmas, let us open our hearts,
and extend an invitation to those familiar figures,
allowing the old story of the nativity to speak to us anew.
 
Mary and Joseph, poor and weary travellers, speak to us:
Show us the way of acceptance and love;
of saying ‘yes’ and embracing the mystery
 
Shepherds, steadfast and humble workers, speak to us:
Inspire us to be watchful and attentive; to go where
we are called to go and do what needs to be done.
 
Angels, heralds of good news, speak to us:
Encourage us to be open to unexpected messages
and surprising insights that transform our lives.
 
Innkeeper, provider of hospitality, speak to us:
Stir us to share our resources to help others
and to know our offerings will be good-enough.
 
Beasts of the stall, accidental witnesses, speak to us:
Remind us to be good and sturdy companions to those
with whom we happen to be thrown together in this life.
 
Herod, tyrant and oppressor, speak to us:
Warn us of the evils and injustices of our own times;
provoke us to speak and act in ways that resist wrongdoing.
 
Magi, wise and intrepid strangers, speak to us:
Teach us to follow wherever love might lead,
that we too may grow in wisdom and in faith.
 
Star, sign of our highest aspirations, speak to us:
Guide us as we make our way through life,
illuminating the path of truth and righteousness.
 
Jesus, holy child, speak to us:
Awaken us to the light within each life,
the sense of hope and possibility in every birth;
help us to know the divine spark, the unique potential, we carry.
 
This Christmas, let us open our hearts, that the old story may speak to us anew. Amen.