A Christmas Prayer

Last night was the annual Liberal Christmas party, and by all accounts it was a big success.  The choice of Michael Ignatieff in the morning added a lot of positive vibes to the event and, interestingly, infused the Christmas event with a political "shot in the arm."Following Ignatieff's speech, I was asked to say the grace before the 1,000 attendees sat down to eat.  The leader had stated just prior to the prayer that more than anything else, the word "Liberal" meant generosity to him.  Picking up on that, I prayed the following.

Lord, 2008 has been a difficult year for so many, including the Liberal Party.  But tonight we feel a new sense of purpose, of hope, and ultimately of renewal. Tonight we are aware that outside these walls people are lining up at foodbanks, losing their jobs, or facing economic travail.

While we ask you to bless this food tonight, we ask also, God, that you take the hope and purpose seen here this evening and spread it to all those Canadians struggling across this great land.

We must pray this, O God, because we, as Liberals, know it's about them and not us.  Bless this gathering. Bless this country.  And make us the answer to this nation's woes and possibilities.

Amen

No sooner had I descended from the platform than Michael Ignatieff walked across the room, hugged me, and said: "That's our purpose for being here, Glen, and we'll do our best to make it happen - as a team."  Maybe it's because it was Christmas and I was in a sentimental mood, but I felt strangely compelled to believe him.