Messiah Jesus, the prophets of old foretold your coming; the poor long still to see you. The heavens celebrated your birth; the gospels, the martyrs, and the faithful down through the ages repeated the songs of the angels. Your church praises you in every human lannguage, for she has seen your salvation. Son of God, you humbled yourself to become a servant, raising us up to share in your glory. We were in darkness and you have given us light and strength, peace and joy. Lead us according to your loving will; make us a people who follow you in holiness. Give us generous hearts to hear your Word, and produce in us abundant fruit, through the power of your eternal Spirit. Amen.