Prayers for Christmas: Jesus

“This Christmas I am thankful for the sky, the flowers, the trees, and the people around me — and that Jesus died for us.” 

– 90-year-old South African woman to whom FMS missioner Tim Marcy brings communion weekly

Photo by Rennet Stowe

It might seem strange to talk about Jesus’ death this time of year. Suffering and death don’t seem to have a place among the sights and sounds of Christmas – joyous carols, sprigs of holly, jingling bells, strings of bright lights.

But the innocent Christ child whose birth we celebrate this season came into the world for a reason. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).”

Jesus’ birth and resurrection were part of God’s plan. As followers of Christ, we are also called to continue the mission to bring hope, peace and love to the world. Our missioners are open to God’s plan for this life, and, in the tradition of St. Francis, follow Christ’s example of feeding the hungry, tending to the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and helping the poor.

This Christmas, will you give a gift to help our missioners continue to walk with the poor around the world?