A Prayer Thanking God for Joy in the Hard Times

Oh, Lord,

You know it’s been a hard year for many.

So much loss—lost health, lost lives, lost jobs,

lost dreams of celebrating all sorts of things together.

And yet, today and every day,

I want to thank you for the inexpressible joy that entered the world with Jesus.

Your people long ago were living in hard times too,

waiting  so long to hear from you,

wondering if you had abandoned them.

Because Jesus was born,

they didn’t have to wonder about your absence anymore.

And when the Magi saw the star that pointed them to their Savior,

they were overjoyed.

Thank you for sending your joy  to live on this earth, die for our sins,

and rise from the dead.

May we be truly overjoyed at this incredible good news.

In Jesus’ joy-filling name. Amen.