For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. —Isaiah 9:5

Lord Jesus, as we gaze upon You, sleeping peacefully in the manger, we feel a deep peace radiate from You. A holy calm fills our hearts. You have kept Your promise, You are here, with us now.

Lord Jesus, you were not afraid to come to us; help us to be not afraid in coming to You. Give us Your deep inner peace that we might impart joy, hope, and courage to all we encounter. Open our hearts to see You more clearly, receive You more deeply, and follow You more willingly. Increase our capacity to give and receive Your love. May this Christmas Day and Season warm our hearts all year.

Untitled by Cyprian Kamil Norwid

Jest w moim kraju zwyczaj,

że w dzień wigilijny,

przy wejściu pierwszej gwiazdy

wieczornej na niebie,

ludzie gniazda wspólnego

łamią chleb biblijny,

najtkliwsze przekazując uczucia

w tym chlebie.

It is the custom in my country,

that on Christmas Eve,

at the first star’s appearance

in the eveing sky,

people as one

break biblical bread,

and with great love share all they feel

in this bread.