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!
WHO ARE YOU, THAT YOU LOVE US SO MUCH? (A Christmas Prayer)
How meek you are, Jesus, yet how mighty! Your judgment is mighty, but your love is sweet. Who can stand against you?
If we seek who you really are, your true nature is hidden in heaven, in the essence of the mighty Triune God. But if a person were to seek your face, they could have found you in the lap of Mary.
Who can realize your depth, you who are a great sea that made itself so small? We come to see you as God, and see? You were a man! Or if we came to see you as a man, the light of your Godhead shone brightly.
Who would believe that you are the heir of David’s throne? From all his beds, you inherited an animal’s feeding trough. From his palaces you received a cave. And instead of his chariots, a young donkey.
How fearless you are, allowing everyone to carry you in their arms. You met all with a smile, making no distinction between family and stranger, between your mother and others.
Was it your love–you, who love all? What moved you to let everyone have you, the rich and poor alike? How could you not return anger for anger, fear for threat? You are above returning injury for injury.
Who are you, Jesus, that you love us so much?
Amen.
– Ephraim the Syrian
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More from the Lexham Press blog
“May the First Day of Yours Be Blessed”: Christmas Prayers from the Early Church- “Glory To You Who Became Lowly”: Christmas Prayers from the Early Church
- “What Do We Call You, Lord?”: Christmas Prayers from the Early Church
- “Glory to Your Coming, Which Made Us Alive”: Christmas Prayers from the Early Church
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