Lord Jesus,
who did take little children into Thine arms
and laugh and play with them,
bless, we pray Thee,
all children at this Christmastide.
As with shining eyes and glad hearts
they nod their heads so wisely
at the stories of the angels,
and a baby cradled in the hay
at the end of the way of a wandering star,
may their faith and expectation be
a rebuke to our own faithlessness.
Help us to make this season all joy for them,
a time that shall make Thee, Lord Jesus,
even more real to them.
Watch tenderly over them and keep them safe.
Grant that they may grow in health and strength
into Christian maturity.
May they turn early to Thee,
the Friend of children, the Friend of all.
We ask in the lovely name of Him
who was once a little child. Amen.
— by Peter Marshall
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See Another Christmas Prayer by Peter Marshall
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in.
Be born in us to-day.
Amen.