Gather the nations to be one family. Following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto at an election rally on Thursday 27 December, these words take on even more meaning.

The First Sunday of Christmas

God in Trinity,
eternal unity of perfect love:
gather the nations to be one family,
and draw us into your holy life
through the birth of Emmanuel,
our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Additional Collect for The First Sunday of Christmas
is Copyright © The Archbishops Council

The peoples of the world seem to be intent on tearing themselves apart, rather than striving towards a lasting peace. I pray that some day, through the eternal unity of perfect love that is God, the nations may be gathered together to be one family, leading a holy life.