Bless us, Lord, as we come close the manger to see who is there. Let us not be afraid but approach the birth of Jesus with joy and hope for the New Year and for our role in spreading the Good News. Bless all who dare and dream enough to ask who Jesus is and what we can do to be more like him each day. Strengthen us in our reading and study of the scripture and open our hearts to your love and care and help us to share that with others. Be with us, Lord Jesus, we pray today and every day. Amen.