Soothe the suffering; shield the joyous

As the final countdown to Christmas begins, 

While young hearts fill with anticipation 

 We hold in our thoughts all those who suffer: 

For all who are alone while others gather; 

And all for whom this season brings 

Not joy but painful memories; 

For all who are sick or dying 

And those who care for them; 

For all who grieve losses too great to bear; 

For the homeless and the refugees, 

The victims of war and oppression, 

For the lost, the cold, the unemployed, 

And all who live in fear or pain, 

We pray they may find peace. 

And for those who are simply exhausted 

 By the demands of the season, 

 We pray that the weary will find rest.