My favourite Bible verse at Christmas time is Matthew 1:23

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel” (which means “God with us”).

It summarises the whole story of Christmas – God comes to earth.

What an awesome event.

As I think of my loved ones, I want them to know God is still here. Jesus’s birth is not a fable of old, a distant concept or irrelevant news item, but a reality that changes our present.

I’ve written a short prayer below in response to this verse. Think of your own loved ones as you read and pray.

God, who came to earth,

Thank you for your presence in our lives. We pray for our loved ones to know you more this Christmas –

For those feeling lonely;

God be with them.

For those lacking money;

God be with them.

For those battling cancer;

God be with them.

For those finding their relationships difficult;

God be with them.

For those struggling with anxiety and depression;

God be with them.

For those finding it hard to trust You;

God be with them.

For those busy caring for the young and old;

God be with them.

For those dealing with long term health problems;

God be with them.

Come Oh Emmanuel, God be with us.

Amen