This prayer is for the days leading up to Christmas, when the lists are long, the calendar is full, and it can be hard to notice the good news underneath all the activity. Pray it in the early morning, in the car before a family gathering, or at the end of a long December day when you want to give thanks for the season. You can read it aloud exactly as written, or use it as a starting point and speak your own words where they fit.
Blessings for Christmas
Lord, thank you for coming to us as a child in Bethlehem. Thank you that the God who made the stars chose to be born in a borrowed space among animals, so that no one would ever have to wonder whether you see them. Be near to everyone who is gathering this season, whether around a crowded table or a quiet kitchen. Bless the ones who are traveling, the ones who are cooking, and the ones who are worn out from trying to make everything perfect.
For the people who will sit beside us, Lord, give us patience and a generous heart. Where there is old hurt, soften it. Where there is a empty chair this year, comfort the person who sits near it. Give the children joy that is not dependent on gifts, and give the grown-ups rest that does not depend on everything going smoothly. Keep us from measuring our worth by what we accomplish in December. Remind us that you already love us, and that nothing we do can add to it or take it away.
Bless the days ahead with peace that is steady enough to hold us through the noise. Let the story of your birth slow us down long enough to hear it again. Fill our homes with light and our hearts with hope, and help us to share both with the people you put in our path. Amen.
A Shorter Version to Pray in a Moment
Lord, bless this season and the people in it. Slow me down enough to notice the light you have given. Give me patience with those I love and kindness toward those I find difficult. Let the peace of Christ settle over my home, my work and my heart today. Thank you for coming near to us in Jesus. Amen.
Scriptures to Pray Alongside
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(WEB)
Pray this verse slowly when the season feels heavy, naming the specific burdens you carry. Thank God that the child promised long ago is the one whose name describes his character, and ask him to govern the particular situations in your family.
Luke 2:10-11
10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(WEB)
Read these words as if the angel were speaking directly to you. Ask God to replace any fear you feel about the coming weeks with the simple good news that a Savior has been born for you.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
(WEB)
Pray this verse by thanking Jesus for choosing to live among ordinary people. Ask him to help you see the people around you the way he sees them, with compassion and attention.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Bring your anxieties about the holidays to God in prayer, one at a time if necessary. Ask for the peace this passage promises, a calm that guards your heart even when plans change.
Numbers 6:24-26
24 ‘The LORD bless you, and keep you. 25 The LORD make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. 26 The LORD lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’
(WEB)
This ancient blessing was spoken over the people of Israel, and it still works well as a prayer over someone you love. Speak it over your family or a friend who needs a reminder of God’s favor this season.
How to Pray This Prayer
Many people find it helpful to pray this prayer early in the morning, before the phone starts ringing and the day fills with errands. Sit at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee or tea in your hands, and let the warmth remind you of the presence of God. If you are praying for a particular person, keep a photo of them nearby or write their name at the top of a card so your prayer stays focused.
You can also pray it with others. Invite a spouse, a child, or a friend to read a paragraph each, and let the prayer become a shared moment before a meal or a family outing. Wrapping gifts or decorating the tree can be a good time to pause and pray over each person as you handle the things that remind you of them.
A Blessing to Close
May the God who came to us as a child fill your home with peace and your heart with hope this Christmas. May you feel his nearness in the quiet moments and his joy in the busy ones. May the people you love know how deeply they are cared for, and may you rest in the love that never runs out.