Opening PrayerLord, you humbled yourself to come among us in human flesh, and opened the way to salvation.ScriptureAnd being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. -Philippians ReflectionHoly Spirit, kindle the flame of our faith. Grow us in joy. By your gracious visitation, lighten the darkness of our hearts.ScriptureAnd being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. -Philippians PrayerChrist Jesus, we reflect on the mystery of God With Us.In you we see the salvation of God — a God we could hear and see with our own eyes, who we could look at, and our hands could touch.You did not stand afar from your people in need.Thank you that you came willingly into our world, not as an external observer, but as an immersed participant.We take comfort that You know the depth of our human depravity, the injustice and pain we inflict on each other, and the sorrow and struggle of the fallen world.You became a man of suffering, familiar with pain, so we look to you, knowing you have faced the darkness and overcome it.We ponder your humility, that God’s ultimate mercy and victory came through what appeared to be weakness, brokenness, and powerlessness.We ponder that you committed yourself to completing God’s will since before the foundations of the world, and that His will led you to take human form.We rejoice that in seeing you, our eyes have seen God’s salvation for all people.ClosingBehold we are the servants of the Lord. Let it be to us according to your word. May we rest in the peace that the darkness can never extinguish the light that has been given to us.