Merry Christmas to All

[Professor]

A Christmas Prayer by Dr. Peter Marshall
(Delivered before the US Senate, December 19, 1947)

We thank Thee, O' God, for the wondrous spell of this Christmas season that brings its own sweet joy into our jaded and troubled hearts.

Forbid it, Lord, that we should celebrate without understanding what we celebrate, or, like out counterparts so long ago, fail to see the star or hear the song of glorious promise.

As our hearts yield to the spirit of Christmas, may we discover that it is Thy Holy Spirit who come - not a sentiment, but a power - to remind us of the only way by which there may be peace on earth and good will among men.

May we not spend Christmas, but keep it, that we may be kept in its hope, through Him who emptied Himself in coming to us that we might be filled with peace and joy in returning to God.

Amen