Kass’ column “O Holy Night” that we’re using as a prayer framework continues,

And for every couple who can’t have children and adopt a child to save a life.

For all the young women who have given their baby up for adoption, to save the life growing inside her. For all those who’ve donated funds so that the young women could see the ultrasound image of the life inside of them and save that life. For couples who tried and couldn’t have children of their own but kept their faith in God and stayed together.”

The psalmist writes in Psalm 139: “13 For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”

Lord, Have Mercy upon the women who discovered the value of life only after having had an abortion.  Give them hope in their regrets, comfort them that their children are alive in heaven as body innocent, soul perfect babies who never left Your care through a Divine reach-back by which You rescued their little souls in Your mercy.

Help those who gave up their children to be adopted to see this as a picture of how every Christian is adopted into the family of God.  Help those who were adopted into their new family to rest in the glorious understanding of the beauty of adoption…each one of their days ordained to be just so!  We praise You, Lord, that we are adopted into Your family “as [God’s] sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will– to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.” (Ephesians 1:5-6)

Prayer Focus: Grant us the knowledge of the joy of adoption, Lord, that we would remember we have been adopted into Your family.

===

You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17. 

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

“Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

John Kass continues his prayer poem column “O Holy Night.”

“For every baby who isn’t loved enough and grows up with a hard crust around his heart because there was no one near to plant those kisses and give those hugs.”

How I wish all children were loved and all parents were kind, putting their children ahead of themselves!  Lord Have Mercy!

The Psalmist writes, Psalm 10:14 But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; You consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless…17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, and You listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Have Mercy, Lord and be Helper of the fatherless and motherless who grow up with parents who–while physically present– live as if they aren’t.  The child’s pain of being passed over and neglected is often equal to the pain of being raised by the grouchy parent.  The pain of never hearing words of affirmation or the gentle “I love you” to communicate a Father in heaven who is Love…even as a generational habit or sin.  Lord, Have Mercy!

Forgive us, Lord, for the times we failed our children.  Grant us grace to make amends while we have breath and opportunity to do so.  Have Mercy, Lord!

Prayer Focus: That God would restore in us His grace to value the littlest of His flock and to show them His lovingkindness and mercy.

===

You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17. 

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

“Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

The actual meaning of the word Selah is unknown. There is speculation by scholars that it was a musical cue in ancient liturgy to encourage a moment to breathe, to pause and reflect on what one just read or sang, and to serve as an invitation to interrupt both the hurry and the stillness with introspection and praise. When we find it in Scripture, it should prompt us to stop the mad rush to simply get through reading, and instead, to meditate on God’s character, His words, or His actions on behalf of His people. The best true response to God is worship.

Psalm 3:8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on Your people. Selah

Selah acts much like “Κύριε, ἐλέησον” in the Greek Orthodox liturgy: Lord, Have Mercy! Lent Devotionals will resume tomorrow after today’s Sabbath rest to reflect, refresh, and worship Him. Selah.

The poem/prayer column I’m utilizing as my Lenten devotionals framework for prayer, “O Holy Night” by John Kass, continues,

And for all the children who should be loved always, but especially on this night, with our arms wrapped around them and a long goodnight kiss on the temple, a kiss more precious than anything that could ever be wrapped in a box.”

It resonates so powerfully with those of us who have been blessed to be parents. 

Jesus loves little children—all people, yes–but there’s something about the innocence of children that moves God’s heart in a special way. 

He grieves over the myriad assaults upon the innocence of children regularly occurring in our world.  Fears of kidnapping, being trafficked or abused, being trained for violence and hate, being devalued and forced to serve as a human shields in assaults, being groomed for gangs or to be victims of adult sexual deviancy, having their innocent minds indoctrinated and confused regarding how God lovingly created them, and forcing the “adultification” of their youth through neglect (or intent) so adult decisions rest upon those whose brain maturity is insufficient for the task.  They’re just children.

Psalm 139 speaks of God’s awareness of the vulnerability of children. Be merciful to all Your children, Lord!

Especially for those in desperate circumstances.  You see them.  You know these precious ones.  Protect them by Your grace.  Lord, Have Mercy!

Prayer Focus: That You, our Lord and God, would please protect the little children.

===

You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17. 

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

“Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

I was particularly moved at a Christmas Eve message by former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass. He writes a similar column every year, and it’s a tradition he maintains on his blog even in retirement.  It’s entitled “O Holy Night” and reads like a prayer.

In recent years, he has faced many health challenges, and I support his ministry (as that is what it is), his ministry of words often leaning into culture and politics that reprove, correct, educate, and encourage people. It’s power is proof that Jesus doesn’t want us to withdraw from the world, our politics, or our culture but to light it with His illuminating truth.

I will be using John’s column as a prayer framework for 2026 devotionals for Lent, “Lord Have Mercy!,” because I was struck by how much of it touches the heart not just at Christmas, but also at Lent. It is powerful for guided introspection!

You can read his original column here: https://johnkassnews.com/o-holy-night-2025/

We will engage in self-examination and pray for God’s mercy upon our lives, our hurts, our culture, our nation, and the world. Please consider joining me for “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy”

 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026).

===

You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17. 

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

“Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

Throughout Lent last year, I watched with a certain dismay as a local church engaged in a weekly vanity project in lieu of meaningful sermons to prepare God’s people for holy self-examination. By doing so, it squandered a whole season meant by God for preparation. I was sad for the pastor, for the church, for all the people who might have heard a message of repentance, turned from their sins, and been saved.  Not that God was thwarted in His mission because He is not limited by what man will do. But I was sad because I’m also certain that this is not the only church in America squandering Lent.

Lord, Have Mercy!

Lent is for setting aside our vanities, resting our devotion to frivolous concerns or political machinations of this life, and for taking our cues from the One who was steadily marching—resolutely—toward the Cross on which He would die for humanity’s sins.

It’s why I write devotionals for Lent in addition to Advent.  Shouldn’t we be at least as prepared for Jesus’ return in judgment as we were preparing for Christmas?

Please consider joining me as we pray our way through Lent “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy”

 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026).

===

You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17. 

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

“Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

This hymn, often sung at midnight on Christmas Eve, goes by several different names: “Minuit, Chrétiens” meaning “Midnight, Christians”, the “Cantique de Noël” meaning “Christmas Hymn,” and “O Holy Night.”  It reverently calls us to the manger, to see the King of kings and worship Him.

Principle: Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Aim: To understand that Jesus is the Holy One, the only Divine Son of God, and that He came to save us. He lived life as the perfect “second Adam” who paid for the sins of the first Adam and Eve. Aim to worship Him only!

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord God, we praise You that this hymn reminds us of the holiness of that moment when Your only Son Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Man, Son of God was born.  Only this one time in all of human history did such holiness break into our world for salvation purposes and offer us such glorious hope.  We praise You that the story does not end here at Your birth but You inaugurated hope to a weary world. That is because You came to die for the wretchedness of mankind, for Your people steeped in sin and violence. But now for those who love and follow You by repentance and believing the good news, we will see the New Heaven and New Earth where there will finally be Peace forever, and we will worship You, exalt You, glorify You as our Prince of Peace and King of kings!  Come, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

The hymn writer, Edmund Sears, paints a vivid picture of a world in darkness, time dragging but the years flying, a weary world toiling away “beneath life’s crushing load,” our bodies fatigued and our minds no less so.  Doesn’t it sound like our Babel world today of human striving and mock omniscience of AI?

It’s midnight on the doomsday clock.  It’s always midnight.  Until the Light comes.

I like what author Arthur Waskow says about Hanukkah which I apply to Jesus. 

“Late in Kislev we are close to the moment of the winter solstice…it is the darkest moment of the year, the moment it’s easiest to believe that the light will never return, the moment it is easiest to despair. At this dark moment, we celebrate Hanukkah–the Feast of Dedication–by lighting candles.” (Seasons of Our Joy-Arthur Waskow)

While Hanukkah is not a commanded religious festival (2 Chronicles 8:13) like Tabernacles or the Passover, Jesus pointed out: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I AM the Light of the world.” (John 9:4-5) In fact, if you read John 9 and 10, Jesus also restores the sight of the blind man. It’s all connected.

On His way to this Feast of Dedication, Behold! See! Jesus points others to Himself, proclaiming, “I AM” the Gate, the Good Shepherd, and the Light of the world. He came to give sight to the blind. Can you see this?

Principle: It is into such a deep darkness that His Light shines the brightest.
Aim: To focus on the hope present in the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, and go light up your world with this good news.
At Christmas, a prayer: How we praise You, Lord Jesus, that You came first for salvation and then You will return in Judgment!  Our dark world should tell every person alive that Your Return is near.  It’s midnight in our world!  Fix our eyes on the horizon of Your Return so that we will be ready by repenting and believing the good news that angels proclaimed at Your birth.  Amazing!  We love You!  Amen.

Not all those who write Christian hymns or Christmas carols (or even preach and teach) are clergy or music ministers.  One of the beautiful things about Christianity is that the same Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of pastors and worship leaders also dwells in the hearts of average men and women of faith.  Yet when they are inspired by His illumination, gifted with His power and skill, they too can be powerful witnesses for Christ.

At Jesus’ birth, who came?  Shepherds, unschooled average shepherds.  Later, “to the house” (Matthew 2:11), who came? Magi, wise men, scientist/priests “from the East” who knew astronomy, astrology, interpreted dreams, and had great wisdom, perhaps even served as royal advisors. They were also educated enough in other religions to know there was biblical prophecy about the King of the Jews.  These were not Jewish men.  They were Gentiles.

The manger scene announced by angels and revealed to Jewish shepherds, later to the house where Gentile wise men would seek Him is a picture of the Good News going out from the Jews to include the Gentile world.  “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

Principle: The Messiah came for all who would repent and believe.

Aim: To understand that Jesus is from the Jews but meant also as a Light to the Gentiles.

At Christmas, a prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your birth, Your life, Your death and resurrection, for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your plan from before Creation.  Thank You for Your inclusiveness regarding Your Image-bearers throughout all nations and being a Light to us all.  We praise You for the good news of Messiah so that You can draw people from every nation to repent and believe what You have done for all people.  While we know that some will refuse to repent, refuse to believe, and refuse to acknowledge You as Lord, we are grateful that each man, woman, and child upon this earth throughout all time will have been given opportunity to see You for Who You are.  Wise men and women still seek You as Savior.  We praise You at Christmas and always.  Amen.