The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

12/26/2025
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben

Redeemer God, having enjoyed weeks of anticipation, when we held onto the hope that somehow this almost magical season would bring peace to the Earth and inspire the goodwill of all people, now that the celebration and merriment are ending, let us not discard our deepest desires and pack them away like old wrapping paper.

Instead, let us see that we can and should linger in our hope for peace and still anticipate the miracles You will reveal to us this day.

For each day is a sacred time to cherish, an opportunity to witness Your work in our world.

Lord, let the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped. Let the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue sing for joy.

For You are faithful to us at all times, in days of celebration and in times of solemnity. You have done, are doing, and will do marvelous things––things You planned long ago, that we would know and rejoice in Your steadfast love for us.

In the power that is ours when we call on Your name, we pray. Amen.

Thought of the Week

To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

—Calvin Coolidge

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