Prayer: "Gaudete: by Brad Reynolds, S.J.

Because Christmas is almost here,

Because dancing fits so well with music,

Because inside baby clothes are miracles: Gaudete!

Because some people love you,

Because of chocolate,

Because pain does not last forever,

Because Santa Claus is coming: Gaudete!

Because of laughter,

Because there really are angels,

Because your fingers fit your hands,

Because forgiveness is yours for the asking,

Because of children,

Because of parents: Gaudete!

Because the blind see and the lame walk: Gaudete!

Because lepers are clean and the deaf hear: Gaudete!

Because the dead will live again,

Because there is good news for the poor: Gaudete!

Because of Christmas,

Because of Jesus,

You rejoice.