As we approach Christmas, this is the week of joy. For some of your children, O God, joy seems like a distant dream as they worry about food for their families or keeping their homes warm or gas to get to work. Make us a generous people, Almighty One. Open our hearts to share our treasure with those who are struggling. May our joy be manifest in our love of neighbor during this season of giving and then continue into and through the new year. Amen.