Now that the mad rush is over,
O center of hope, peace, joy, and love:
Now that the needles are falling from the tree,
We thank you that you are still God-with-us.
As we face the year ahead,
Help us to face the difficult parts of our lives;
Help us to make the changes we must make;
Bring us to new places of openness and love toward you and the people around us;
Help us to overcome the fears which keep us from fullness of life.
Help us individually and as a congregation to be signs of your compassion, action, grace, and unity in this world.
Shalom, Paul