In an uncharacteristically quiet Christmas week (partly because it lands on the weekend) and with two services still almost totally unprepared due to limited inspiration, I find not a lot to say today, so instead of me, how about a prayer from someone else?

Lord of all time

Bless this season

Come amongst us

In all we do.

Help us to prepare

For your coming,

Not merely to skuttle

To and fro,

In a frenzy

Of cooking and shopping,

Parties and glitter,

Worthless waste

Of precious time

Given by you.

Lesley K Steel, in Shine on Star of Bethlehem, pub Canterbury, third ed. 2004, p. 68