These were written by Angela for her church's 2015 carol services. They could be used and adapted to fit your service. They focus on people who may not experience Christmas as the "Good News" the shepherds proclaimed. You can teach the response to the congregation before you begin.


Extract from the prayers:

[LEADER] The angel said,
[ALL] "Don't be afraid, I'm bringing you good news that is for everyone."

Christmas doesn't feel much like good news for whose income has fallen this year, because of redundancy, unemployment or benefit reductions. God, help us to give gifts that cost love instead of money, not to fear the rising costs of Christmas or go into debt to pay for it. For all of us who are hard up, may the angel's message be good news.

The angel said,
"Don't be afraid, I'm bringing you good news that is for everyone."

Christmas doesn't feel much like good news for those who are homeless or lonely, if we don't have a warm place to be or a warm welcome from those we love. God, help those of us with houses and families to open our homes and hearts to those without them, so that the angel's message may truly be good news for those who are homeless or lonely.

The angel said,
"Don't be afraid, I'm bringing you good news that is for everyone."

Christmas doesn't feel much like good news for those who have left their homes, communities, towns and countries this year, fleeing from violence, war or terror. Christmas doesn't feel much like good news if you live in a tent, out in the open air, and it will simply be a day of struggle like any other. God, bring hope into the uncertainty of life as a refugee. Help those of us who live secure lives to give what we can to those who have left everything behind, so that the angel's message may be good news for those who are refugees.

The angel said,
"Don't be afraid, I'm bringing you good news that is for everyone."

Christmas doesn't feel much like good news for those who are ill or suffering. Thank you, God, for the dedication and care of medical staff, many of whom will be at work even on Christmas day. We know that our earthly bodies won't last forever, but we also know that you are the God of the impossible, and still working miracles today. Please bring healing, by medicine or miracle, so that the angel's message may be good news for those who are sick...


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