Dear Friends,

While my wife and I were Christmas shopping recently, looking at all the people, I kept praying to God in my head (as my heart was hurting for them) to ask how a church like West Cohasset Chapel might reach them. As best as I could understand, some looked tired, worn, lonely, unhappy, or harassed. May God save them.

A prayer for you today.

God and Father, may we never be a blot or a blank in life,
to cause the way of truth to be spoken of as evil,
or make our liberty an occasion to the flesh.

May we by love serve others, and please our neighbor,
for their good to edification.

May we attend to what is ornamental as well as
essential in Christianity, pursuing things that are
lovely and of good report.

May we render our work of the gospel,
not only moving but amiable and inviting.

May we hold forth the way of Jesus,
with our temper as well as our tongue,
with our life as well as our lips.

May we say to all we meet,
“We are journeying toward the Lord’s given place,
come with us for your good.”

May we be prepared for all the allotments
of this short, changing, uncertain life, with
a useful residence in it,
a comfortable journey through it,
a safe passage out of it.

May we be in character and conduct like
the dew of heaven,
the salt of the earth,
the light of the world,
the fullness of the fountain.

May we never
be ashamed of Jesus or his words,
be deterred from fulfilling a known duty
through fear,
be discouraged from attempting it
through weakness.

May we see all things in a divine light so that they may
inform our judgment and sanctify our heart.

Finally, Father, this Christmas and beyond, please bless all the lost and lonely people, May You work in them in a clear and powerful way that they might turn to Christ in repentance and faith.

Taken and slightly abridged from, The Valley of Vision- A puritan prayer book.

May God richly bless you and yours this Christmas week with His tender mercies, generous care, and perfect love.

Pastor Joe