“What Do We Call You, Lord?”: Christmas Prayers from the Early Church

As the Advent and Christmas season draw near, Lexham Press encourages all readers to cultivate a life of prayer and experience God in a new way this season.

The prayer below is excerpted from Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church edited by Robert Elmer. The hearts of the first Christians beat with praise for Christ. The strength of their devotion is remarkable, considering the times of uncertainty and persecution in which they lived. The prayers have been slightly updated to read more easily, but they retain their joy and mystery. 

Blessings to you this holiday season! 

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WHAT DO WE CALL YOU, LORD?  (A Christmas Prayer) 

I am not sure what to call you, Child of the Living One. Not the child of Joseph; you are not actually his blood. And while you are the son of one, I should be calling you the son of many.

Ten thousand names would not be enough to call you, since you are the Son of God and also the Son of Man. You are David’s son and Mary’s Lord. 

For your sake Mary also was hated. The one who conceived you was persecuted. The sea raged against her, as it did against Jonah. Herod, that raging wave, sought to drown the Lord of the seas.

But Adam would rejoice, for you are the key to paradise. So I will flee with you, that I may gain life wherever we go. Prison with you is no prison, because we gain heaven through you. 

With you, the grave is no grave, for you are the resurrection! 

Amen. 

– Ephraim the Syrian

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The four weeks of Advent are a time to ponder and pray the life of Jesus. In his conception and birth, Jesus reveals God’s power. Get this free small pamphlet of prayer and Bible-reading as an invitation to Advent.