December 6, 2021, | by Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner | NCNW National Chaplain and President of Skinner Leadership Institute
Loving God, we gather in this season, remembering that over 2000 years ago, the Prince of Peace, Author of Faith, and Embodiment of Love, stepped out of eternity into time to live among us.
The Psalmist tells us that, You, Almighty God, made us a little lower than angels and equipped us with a God-like capacity for love, forgiveness, and compassion, even for those outside our comfort zone. Forgive us today for falling so short of your greatest command, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind...Love others as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39). Remind us that the only way you know we love you is, by the way, we love others in ways that build up and never tear down.
In our world embroiled by racial hatred, strife, and divisions of every kind, give us today the ability to see one another just as you see us---created in the image and likeness of a magnificent and matchless God. Deepen within us right now, Lord, the will to put words to action and use the mighty power you have given us to remove every system and barrier to justice and inequality in our world. Stir up in each of us the desire to build authentic and caring relationships with those who do not look, think, act, or ever vote like us. May we remember that your love in us is far more potent than all the world’s division, alienation, violence, hatred, chaos, and human-generated suffering.
Today, may we allow your Holy Spirit to brand us anew as ambassadors of love, messengers of reconciliation, and bearers of the light of God that alone can shatter the world’s darkness. In your magnificent name, we pray, Lord Jesus, AMEN!
