Lord,
Deliver us from the spirit of consumerism,
from shopping lists,
full color catalogs,
and credit card purchases
that haunt us all year long.
Deliver us from empty cheer and seasons greetings,
born of obligation,
and sent without meaning.
Deliver us from the whirl of social events
that supposedly honor Jesus’ birth
but in reality are nothing more
than another desperate attempt
to coax some joy and meaning
into a life filled to the brim with busyness.
Grant us the true Christmas spirit, Lord.
The generosity of heart,
the self-forgetfulness,
the love that caused You to wrap Yourself
in the garments of our humanity
and live among us for a time.
Grant us the true Christmas spirit, Lord.
In Your holy name I pray.
Amen.