God of every nation and people,
from the very beginning of creation
You have made manifest your love:

When our need for a Savior was great
You sent Your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.

To our lives he brings joy and peace,
justice, mercy and love.

Lord, bless all who look upon this manger,
may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
and raise up our thoughts to him,
who is God-with-us and Savior of all
and who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.