“O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men {and women] this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers [and sisters,] children of the same Father.

Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace.”
Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:23-24

Today Dr. Negley and I will complete our series of devotions on Prayer and today’s submission leads us into the Advent Devotional 2018 – My Favorite Christmas Things.

While I have not read a great deal about Pope John xxiii, I have been impressed by some of his writings and I have admired him. Over all I think he was a very good pope, but unfortunately, he did not hold that position for very long before being elevated to the Church Triumphant. He was the Pope who presided over Vatican II and he was a “reformer.” In the prayer above we see the great value he placed on peace in a prayer situated in the celebration of Christmas.