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Y1 children at Heather Ridge Infants' today will be in good voice to sing about the birth of a baby in Bethlehem.

It's very easy at Christmas to say  'Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus', maybe even to acknowledge that Jesus was born to make our salvation possible. But the Christmas story involves the whole of humanity - the humble tradesman, the hospitality industry, the homeless, those under the control of foreign powers, those who are searching - and maybe not knowing for what exactly, people in government, those seeking power....

the list may not be endless but it's certainly long.

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We can use the Christmas story to remind us of those for whom we should pray in our own societies. And for those who feel they are not cared for or accepted by any community. Joseph and Mary had no place to stay, nowhere for the baby to be born.

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For Britain in recent years 'refugee' has been almost exclusively associated with illegal immigrants arriving in boats.

BUT what about those being moved out of their homes in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan - sometimes not so much because of war but because of the climate. They are refugees, too - and are no doubt scared and in need of whatever support we can offer, whether that be prayer or something that seems more tangible.

Jesus, Humble King, 
we remember that your family had nowhere to stay when you were born.
Please be with the homeless, the refugees 
and those who are struggling to make ends meet this Christmas.
Humble King we long for your Kingdom here,
on earth as it is in heaven:
Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done.

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Jesus, King of Kings,
we remember that powerful leaders visited you when you were born.
Give your wisdom, boldness and grace to our world leaders,
to politicians, business people and those with influence.
King of Kings, establish your Kingdom here,
on earth as it is in heaven:
Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done.

Jesus, King of Peace,
we remember Herod's jealously, lies and violence when you were born.
Bring your peace in places of conflict, anger and hatred,
across the world and right here in our communities.
King of peace, we pray for your Kingdom here,
on earth as it is in heaven:
Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done.

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