“Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:10–14

Almighty God, Heavenly Father; I thank You for Your unspeakable gift to mankind in the birth of the Christ Child at Bethlehem, as announced by the angel this Holy night. May the mystery of the word made flesh fill my soul with wonderment and yearning, that like the shepherds, I may hurry to worship at His manger bed. Change my heart from a busy inn that has no room for Your Son; that it may be a quiet chamber kept for Him.

Help me in the true spirit of repentance to rejoice in my Savior’s birth that in genuine faith I may join in the song of the angels; share the delight of the shepherds and adore Him with the wise men. Grant that Christ may be born to me this Holy night that the truth, love and redemption He brought may henceforth abide in my heart and life. Like Mary, may I keep all these things and ponder them in my heart always.

And as You have made me a partaker of His glory here, grant that I may share His glory there. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.