In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Our three lit candles represent our purple candles of HOPE and PEACE, and this week’s pink candle of JOY. Let’s start our Friday off with a few jokes to bring us a little JOY and LAUGHTER. 

Q: What do you call a reindeer with bad manners?
A:  RUDE-olph!

Q: Why does Santa work at the North Pole?
A:   Because the penguins kicked him out of the South Pole!

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
A:   Frostbite!

Q: What do you call a reindeer who wears earmuffs?
A:   Anything you want!  He can’t hear you!

Now that we have shared some laughter, let’s move on with our morning prayer. One of my favorite signs that I see at this time of year says this: Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON. 

Jesus is all the things our ADVENT candles stand for: hope, peace, joy and love. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the gift of Jesus, the greatest Christmas gift of all. 
Please help us to remember why we celebrate, even as we eat Christmas cookies and open presents. 

May Christmas morning make us happy to be your children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, for all that you have done for us.

As we go our separate ways this Christmas, let us remember that wherever we are, you are ALWAYS with us Heavenly Father. We want to say THANK YOU GOD one more time. 

Thank you for the true reason for the Christmas season - Jesus! We love you, Lord God! Thank you for sending us Your Son, Jesus!  Keep us safe, Lord, and give us the wisdom to make good choices. 

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen