Today’s devotion is a prayer for those who have lost loved ones and are grieving their loss this Christmas season. I have rewritten a prayer by Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia. Her words are in quotations. The original prayer was written for a “Longest Night” worship service in 2014.

God of Christmas, we come to you in the name of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem to bring Good News of Great joy for all people. We recognize that this night will be the longest night of the year, and for some, they are experiencing the grief of loss in the midst of the season of joy, hope, and peace.

“We pray for the grace to bear suffering as Christ bore his suffering for us: With Dignity, humility, and forgiveness. “

“We pray for the grace to bear suffering as Christ bore his for us: With Compassion, Truth, and Perseverance.”

“We pray for the grace to bear suffering as Christ bore his for us: Knowing our suffering is not like his and not like others yet shared with the universal longings of all humanity

Real and Painful and Deep.”

May we not lean into comparison, but strengthen us to lean into you and into the companionship of those who love us.

As we prepare our hearts and spirits this Christmas, transform our suffering into hope, peace, joy, and love.

Forgive us for only seeing the darkness, and help us to rise above the darkness to see your light that shines in the darkness to give us a glimpse of eternity. Lord, as we receive your love through baby Jesus, we respond with our love and praise to you. Amen.