A New Years Prayer

O God, make me discontented
O God, make me discontented with things
the way they are in the world,
and in my own life.
Make me notice the stains when people get spilled on.
Make me care about the slum child downtown,
the misfit at work,
the people crammed into the mental hospital,
the men, women and youth behind bars.
Jar my complacency,
expose my excuses,
get me involved in the life of my city and world.
Give me integrity once more,
O God, as we seek to be changed
and transformed,
with a new understanding and awareness
of our common humanity.

Robert Raines

Not only Christmas Day

Lord, this is my prayer 

Not only on Christmas Day 

But until I see You face to face 

May I live my life this way:

Just like the baby Jesus 

I ever hope to be, 

Resting in Your loving arms 

Trusting in Your sovereignty.

And like the growing Christ child 

In wisdom daily learning, 

May I ever seek to know You 

With my mind and spirit yearning.

Like the Son so faithful 

Let me follow in Your light, 

Meek and bold, humble and strong 

Not afraid to face the night.

Nor cowardly to suffer 

And stand for truth alone, 

Knowing that Your kingdom 

Awaits my going home.

Not afraid to sacrifice 

Though great may be the cost, 

Mindful how You rescued me 

From broken-hearted loss.

Like my risen Savior 

The babe, the child, the Son, 

May my life forever speak 

Of who You are and all You've done.

So while this world rejoices 

And celebrates Your birth, 

I treasure You, the greatest gift 

Unequaled in Your worth.

I long to hear the same words 

That welcomed home Your Son, 

"Come, good and faithful servant," 

Your Master says, "Well done."

And may heaven welcome others 

Who will join with me in praise 

Because I lived for Jesus Christ 

Not only Christmas Day

-- Mary Fairchild