O God, who has mercifully and patiently led me

through this busy year, giving me more than I asked

or deserved, grant me at this holy season the grace of

Jesus Christ. Let His Spirit, the “spirit of the little

child” now as it knocks at the hearts of men, enter

into my own life and bless it.

At other times I have asked that I may do my duty;

today I ask for more. Let duty become touched with

beauty for me. May my obligations be turned into

opportunities, and each one be fulfilled with joy. Let

my ears hear the cry of the needy and my heart feel

the love of the unlovely. Give my hands strength not

to do great things, but to do small things graciously.

And teach me to accept kindness with humility.

As the old year ends and the New Year begins, grant

me peace in my own heart, Your peace, which I in

turn may radiate to others; that those I love and

those I want to help may find sweet joy and rest in

You. Amen.