Pray With Orthodox Iraqi Christians
From the Rev. John Thomas, Presiding Minister and President of the United Church of Christ
Today Orthodox Iraqi Christians, including those who have remained in Iraq and those who have been forced to leave, are celebrating Christmas. In the words of the Syrian Orthodox Christmas Liturgy used in Iraq, we pray with them:
Make us worthy, O Lord God, to hallow You. . . to bless You. . . to glorify You. . . to adore You. . . to exalt You with the innocent shepherds unceasingly; to worship You with the discerning wise men steadfastly; and to rejoice in You.
Make us worthy, O Lord, to honor Your birth. We beseech You to regenerate us, spiritually, in daily fruitful works that are pleasing unto You. Make Your light to shine forth in our souls.
Grant us, our Lord, that we may rejoice in Your feast to recognize without any doubt that You are the true God.
From Advent through Epiphany members of the United Church of Christ have observed the incarnation in many ways through fruitful works pleasing to God. I am particularly grateful for the generosity that has surpassed our $100,000 goal of support for Iraqi refugees forced to flee their homes by sectarian violence. To date we have received $141,594, which will be shared through our ecumenical partners to help provide humanitarian aid to these displaced persons. Contributions can still be made online if you still wish to make a gift.
http://ga3.org/ct/rdsvsa61S42c/
Our members have also been generous with their prayers for U.S. servicemen and service women, many of whom face danger and were unable to be with family and friends during the holiday season. You may read some of those prayers posted online.
http://ga3.org/ct/47svsa61S423/ 
