For this year’s Advent readings at The Austin Stone Community Church, we asked some of our Story Team artists to write poetic prayers that center around the birth of Jesus and the salvation that first came to us in a manger. We hope these prayers stir your heart to worship Jesus along with us.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Precious Jesus, Our Savior and King,
You came to us this holy night,
but not in the way we expected.
We thought You a king on a horse with parade,
but the form of a babe you selected.
You took on flesh and came to Your people,
fully a baby but still fully God.
Angels sang out, a bright star did shine,
wise men and shepherds were awed.
And I’m awed, too, Jesus.
Not only did You come to earth,
to seek and save Your flock.
But Your people treated You like man, not King,
a criminal to try, beat, and mock.
The flesh You took on so willingly,
to fully display Your grace and Your love,
was ripped and torn and bloodied and bruised.
Forsaken were You by Your Father above.
And all so that on another holy night,
‘round your throne we’ll gather from near and afar,
and finally with sinless lips and outstretched arms,
we’ll praise You, Jesus, for who You are!
Thank you for dying the death we deserved!
Thank you for being our surrogate!
And thank you, Jesus, for Christmas Eve,
when Your glorious birth we celebrate!
In Your precious and holy name we pray,
Amen.
