Our last Morning Prayer with Rick this week – he considers the miracle of a newborn baby – a sign of hope that infiltrates our hearts – like smoke encircling us. Rick reminds us that we will always be with the Christ child, with our own children, grandchildren, and the children of our community; Rick also prays for those of us in despair – may we be given grace to persevere and face the future with renewed hope. He asks for God’s forgiveness when we try to fix our situations on our own, when true healing must be found in our Lord, when we need to be set free of our burdens and cares, Rick asks for Christ’s healing and grace.