Pause for a second today and pray this prayer.
So much activity and merry making can sometimes distract us from the true spirit of Christmas.
In the midst of all the presents and visiting with family and friends, take a brief moment to pray. It doesn’t have to be long — just a few minutes can help settle the soul and lift your heart to God.
To help you in your brief respite, pray this short and simple prayer from St. John XXIII. It gets to the heart of Christmas and implores God’s help in achieving peace on earth. Not just an external peace, but a true and abiding peace that starts in the soul.
O sweet Child of Bethlehem,
grant that we may share with all our hearts
in this profound mystery of Christmas.
Put into the hearts of men and women this peace
for which they sometimes seek so desperately
and which you alone can give to them.
Help them to know one another better,
and to live as brothers and sisters,
children of the same Father.
Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.
Awaken in their hearts
love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.
Join them all together in your love.
And give us your heavenly peace.Amen.