21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources: Worship Resources for Christmas Day, Year C

Poem/Prayer Based on John 1:1-14
Creator God,
In the beginning, you spoke all that is into existence, and breathed life into the world.
You made light in the midst of darkness and all that you made was good.
What a labor of love. You loved until it hurt.

You sent John as a witness to the light you would send.
You did so that we might believe through this, your vessel, coming into the world.
What a labor of love, you loved until it hurt.

The light of the world who aided in the world's creation came to the world,
but the world did not recognize its creator.
The son came to his own people, and they rejected him.
What a labor of love, you loved until it hurt.

When you call us each by name to draw near to you to find life in you, we turn away.
We cause harm to others and scoff at your sweet grace and mercy each day.
You continue to love us, protect us, and wait patiently as we find our way home to you.
What a labor of love, you loved until it hurt.

You give us the opportunity to be called daughters and sons of the Most High God
You call us to believe in the one you sent to us a reflection of you, a means to your love.
What a labor of love, you loved until it hurt.

Though we constantly reject you and find love hard,
Though our thoughts and deeds are often evil,
You still find ways to care for us and call us your own.
What a labor of love, you loved until it hurt.

"And the word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory,
the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
What a labor of love.
What a labor of love.

About the Author: Sharletta Green comes from the West Virginia Annual Conference and is a graduate of the Candler School of Theology.