Christmas prayers offer a beautiful way to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the many blessings we have. There is no doubt this year has been a difficult one for all of us. As we remember the love of God and the gift of Jesus this holiday season, we are able to focus on the hope and joy that we have despite the circumstances that may be surrounding us.
Prayer also provides a wonderful opportunity to pause the busyness and remember the greatest of all and what truly matters in life. As we approach the holiday season, we are faced with yet another opportunity to pause in the midst of all the excitement, decorations, and commercialization, to consider again the origin of Christmas - the One whose birth we celebrate.
We have collected some of our favorite Christmas prayers from over the years to share with you. Whether you say a prayer on Christmas Eve, before you open presents on Christmas morning, or around the family dinner table, these words and meditations offer beautiful reflections of hope, thanks, and joy. Use these prayers to remember the true meaning of the season and why we can celebrate, regardless of what struggles and hardships we may have faced this year. Share these with your family and friends to spread Christmas cheer and joy!
Celebrate the birth of Christ with a FREE Prayer Guide for a Joyful Christmas. Download, print, and share these beautiful reminders of why we celebrate Christmas.
Reflect on the joy and hope of the holiday season with this collection of Christmas prayers. Use these prayers to remember the true meaning of the season and why we can celebrate, regardless of what struggles and hardships we may have faced this year. May these prayers bring you and your loved ones into God's peaceful presence both during the holidays and into the New Year. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Dear Lord, don't let us miss You this Christmas season. Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebration on Your birth. Thank You for being the Prince of Peace, and I ask You for that supernatural peace to reign in our hearts. Thank You for the simple but life-changing message of Your love for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
~ Melanie Chitwood
Dear Lord, On this holy night, we gather to celebrate the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ. As we come together with family and friends, may our hearts be filled with joy and gratitude. Thank you for the gift of salvation and the love that you have shown us through Jesus. Bless this time of fellowship and worship. Amen. ~ Christmas Eve Prayers
Lord, I thank You for coming to earth so You could redeem me. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me, it makes me want to shout, to celebrate, and to cry with thankfulness. You love me so much, and I am so grateful for that love. Without You, I would still be lost and in sin. But because of everything You have done for me, today I am free; my life is blessed; Jesus is my Lord; Heaven is my home; and Satan has no right to control me. I will be eternally thankful to You for everything You did to save me! I pray this in Jesus' name!
~ Rick Renner
Thank you God for sending Your Son on one glorious night to be born a virgin, to live a perfect life, and to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you that he rose from the dead three days later and that this Christmas and every Christmas, we can celebrate the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Happy birthday, Jesus! I celebrate your birth and your life. Thank you for coming to earth as a baby, bringing life and hope to us all. I surrender to you. May each day be a celebration of Who you are in my life. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Dear God, On this happy Christmas morning, we want to say thank you for all the love and joy in our hearts. We're so excited about the presents, but we know that the best gift of all is Jesus, your Son. Thank you for sending Him to be with us.
Help us to be kind and share with others today, just like Jesus taught us. Bless our family and friends as we celebrate together. May our day be filled with laughter and happiness. Thank you for the yummy food we're going to eat today. Bless it and make it delicious.
We love you, God. Merry Christmas! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Christmas Prayer of Thanksgiving: Gracious God, on this sacred day, we gather with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the love that brought Him to us and for the hope that His birth brings to the world. As we celebrate this Christmas, may our hearts overflow with thanksgiving for the ultimate gift of salvation. Amen.
Christmas Prayer for Peace: Prince of Peace, on this holy night, we lift our prayers for peace in our hearts, in our homes, and in the world. May the message of Christmas be a beacon of hope, guiding us to strive for harmony and understanding with one another. Let your peace reign in our lives as we seek to live in the light of your love. Amen.
Christmas Prayer of Joy: Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the birth of your Son, fill our hearts with the joy that comes from knowing Him. May the joy of Christmas be a constant presence in our lives, reminding us of the true source of happiness found in Jesus Christ. Let us share this joy with others and be a reflection of your love in the world. Amen.
Dear God, sometimes I get too caught up in Christmas commercialism. OK, a lot of times. Today, I’m going to refocus my heart and remember why I’m celebrating this wonderful day in the first place. I’m celebrating Jesus today…and every day! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
~ Sharon Jaynes
Heavenly Father, As we gather around this table on this special Christmas day, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude. We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate today.
Bless this food before us, and may it nourish our bodies and fill our hearts with joy. We are thankful for the love and warmth of family and friends gathered here.
As we share this meal, help us remember the true reason for this season—the love, hope, and salvation that Jesus brings into our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. ~ Christmas Dinner Prayers
Dear Lord, don't let us miss You this Christmas season. Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebration on Your birth. Thank You for being the Prince of Peace, and I ask You for that supernatural peace to reign in our hearts. Thank You for the simple but life-changing message of Your love for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.
Lord, I set my heart on You. You are trustworthy, faithful and the Giver of the gift of peace. Please fill me this Christmas season. As others see Your peace in me, let them recognize You as Savior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Amy Carroll
Lord, in a season when every heart should be happy and light, many of us are struggling with the heaviness of life—burdens that steal the joy right out of our Christmas stockings. Crazy weather disasters strike at unsuspecting areas, ravaging peaceful homes and interrupting the lives of unsuspecting residents. Tragedy arrives as innocent victims suffer, and an inner voice whispers, “Be afraid!” We need your peace, Jesus.
Lord, we still carol the wonderful message, huddled beneath winter caps on snow-covered porches or from churches led by enthusiastic musicians or choir members. Yet we confess that our hearts are too often filled with wonder of a different kind: wondering when the bills will be paid when the terror will stop, when rest will come. Will it ever? Is the message still true?
In a world where worry, not peace, prevails, stir up that good news again. This Christmas, make it real in our hearts. Never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh. Forgive us for forgetting—that Your love never changes, never fades, and that You never abandon the purpose for which You came: to save us from our sinful condition and to give us life eternal, the joy of a relationship with a holy God. Your birth—and Your death—sealed Your promise to us forever. Amen.
For those whose hearts are battered by sorrow or broken relationships, for those whose lives know only conflict and confusion, for those whose bodies are tired and tested beyond their ability to endure this year—precious Savior, draw them close to You. Let them know You are still the same Jesus who was born of a virgin, not in a hospital but an animal barn, laid in a manger of hay. You are still the One sent by a heavenly Father who offered not condemnation for our sins, but love and forgiveness—and daily, divine fellowship.
We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the broken hearted—not just at Christmas, but every day of every year.
Release the joy in us that’s been crushed by pride, wrong priorities, or world events. Tear down the strongholds that have held us captive far too long. Extinguish the flames of apprehension that rob us of a calm, quiet spirit. Show us again the beauty of that holy night so many centuries ago.
Your name is still called “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” and “The Prince of Peace.” As Your children, we cry out for a fresh filling, and a new awareness of Who You are. We choose by faith to make the “good news of great joy” a reality in our own lives, so others can see us as lighted trees of life, pointing to You this Christmas. We know one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that You are Lord. And we also know that peace on earth can only come when hearts find peace with You.
You are still our Joy. You are still our Peace. You are no longer a babe in the manger. You are Lord of lords and King of kings. And we still celebrate You as Lord—this Christmas and always. Amen.
~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Lord, We worship You during this Christmas season. You are our wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). We choose to put You at the center of our family life as we celebrate Your birth. Keep us from distractions and help us to invite You into all our family activities. Teach us to pray and help us to glorify and worship You in our family during this busy time of year. Give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation that we might know You better (Ephesians 1:17). Thank you for being Immanuel, “God with us.” Open our eyes to realize this each day as we interact with others.
Help us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as You forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Show us creative ways to love and care for those outside our home. Fill us to overflowing with Your love for the lost. Teach us to do acts of kindness to those who are in need at this time of year. May our family be a refreshment and light to others. We ask You to touch with salvation those in our family who do not know You [Name those individuals]. Open their hearts to Your great love for them. Help us to share Your Truth and be Your light. You are the Savior of the world. Amen. - Debbie McDaniel
Dear Heavenly Father, though Christmas is sometimes hard because we miss the ones we love, help me remember the gift You gave - Your Son, Jesus, a baby born to die. Thank You for this gift of love, and help me receive it. In times of grief and sadness, remind me of the reason and fill me with Your Peace.
Mighty God, I ask You for the power to press on, and Everlasting Father, I thank You for carrying me when it’s hard to walk.
Wonderful Counselor, I pray You’d fill my mind with wisdom, and may the Prince of Peace rule my heart. Help me this Christmas to remember it’s not about the people I celebrate with, but the One we celebrate! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Jill Beran
Father, help me not just to look for blessings during the Christmas season, but to go out of my way to bless others. Remind me to pray for friends and loved ones every time I pray for myself. Teach me to invest in my relationships by sharing Your love and grace with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Leah Dipascal
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus' sake. Amen. - Robert Louis Stevenson
Father God, We thank You and praise You today for the miracle of Your Son's birth. Thank You for bringing great JOY to the whole world! Thank You for giving us the assurance that because You came to us in the form of a human, we who believe in Jesus can know with absolute certainty that we'll spend eternity with You.
We thank You, Lord, for the many reasons we have been given a merry Christmas. And we rejoice for each blessing. New life. New love. A home. A job. New opportunities. Second chances. And more.
We know, Lord, that You bring the sun and the moon and set the stars in motion. You tell the ocean where to stop and the snow when to start. And we thank You for the mighty gift of Your creation.
Thank You, Father, for spiritual leaders and faith-filled friends who keep encouraging us when we are close to giving up.
Although we have many reasons to rejoice today, Lord, we also know December 25th can be not-so-merry for a whole host of reasons. We pray for those who are experiencing loss this Christmas: relational, financial, spiritual and physical.
We pray for those who are coping with loving a prodigal and our friends and family members whose hearts are far from You. We pray for those dealing with unemployment and addictions and chronic sickness ... and unending pain and frustrations of all kinds. Thank You, Lord, that You are The Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, even in the midst of our not-so-merry circumstances.
Finally, Lord, we ask You to grant us peace. Peace in our homes, peace in our churches, and peace in our hearts, when the world all around us spins out-of-control. Help us to stay focused on You, this Christmastime and always. Thank You for loving the whole world enough to send the greatest gift, Your Son, so that we might truly have a very merry Christmas. In Jesus' name, Amen. ~ Steph Raquel
When I hear the news and hear another war has begun
And I wonder if God’s on the side of either one
I hear bullet, nail, or handcuff he bore all of them And in the light my heart’s as dark as anyone’s
Lord, remind me
Lord, remind me
That the shepherds heard the angels break the silence in the field
That the wise men found a baby and they could not help but kneel
That the one who heard our weeping, became a child in manger sleeping
Lord, remind me
‘Cause it’s Christmas and I want to remember
~ Jon Guerra
Lord Jesus, as we celebrate the season of Christ’s birth, there’s nothing that stands brighter than hope. The thrill of hope. The excitement that no matter what life brings us, we can still have hope because of that night divine, that night when our precious Savior was born in a stable.
This life is hard, sometimes unbearable. The loss of a loved one who fought the fight against cancer so valiantly. The unwanted divorce that left us wondering if anything in our lives had been real. The pain of infertility that leaves us devastated every single month. The hurt of watching a child walk away from the truth of God’s word.
There’s no end to the painful circumstances we face in this life, but no matter the pain, we always have the thrill of hope, the promise that our Savior has won the victory. Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen.
The greatest gift of all came that first Christmas. It wasn’t wrapped in a beautiful package and set under a decorated tree. The greatest gift came wrapped in the flesh of baby Jesus and laid in the rough wood of a manger. Our perfect gift would later be rewrapped in the scars of our sin and nailed to the rugged wood of a cross on Calvary, all because of love. We thank you Father God and praise you.
Father, I pray that you will turn our hearts toward you as Christmas approaches. Let us not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season this year and miss the chance to celebrate the gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, that you sent to us on that first Christmas. That first Christmas, you gave us the gift of hope wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Thank you, Father, for your immeasurable gift. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen
O God,
you were pleased to announce the coming of your Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
with choirs of angels who proclaimed with their song,
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.”
Grant that we may so pass our time here to your glory,
that at your Son’s second coming
we may rejoice before him.
Amen.
Source: Freely modified from Mozarabic Collects, ed. Rev. Chas. R. Halle, New York, 1881, p. 11 #1
O Lord Jesus Christ,
true God from true God,
you became a little child for us so the world you made would be saved.
Just as a child is born to us and a Son is given to us,
may we be born again through you
and always remain in the number
of God’s faithful children;
through your merits, O blessed Savior,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit
you live and reign,
one God,
now and forever.
Amen.
Source: Mozarabic Collect for the The Nativity of Our Lord
Almighty God,
grant that the new birth
of your Son in the flesh
redeems us from the old slavery
under the yoke of sin,
so we may receive him with joy
as our Redeemer,
and that when when he comes to judge
we may see Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
forever and ever.
Amen.
Source: Wilehelm Loehe, Agende für christliche Gemeinden des lutherischen Bekenntnisses, 1844
Lord God, heavenly Father, we give thanks that in your great mercy and compassion you allowed your dear Son to become incarnate and through him redeemed us from sin and eternal death. Enlighten our hearts by your Holy Spirit that we may always be thankful for such grace and be comforted in all trouble and temptation, and at last, obtain eternal salvation; through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ,
by your incarnation you united
things earthly and heavenly.
Fill us with the sweetness
of inward peace and goodwill,
that we may join the heavenly host
in singing praises to your glory;
for you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Source: Gregorian Rite, 6th Century
O merciful God,
open the depths of our souls
that we may receive
the immortality of our spirits
through the new birth of your Son
by the power of his body
and precious blood;
for he lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
forever and ever.
Amen.
Source: Wilehelm Loehe, Agende für christliche Gemeinden des lutherischen Bekenntnisses, 1844
Dear God, Help us to keep our focus first on Christ this season. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention on other things. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us.
Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you today…and keep you first in our hearts and lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Debbie McDaniel
Heavenly Father, You are the God who gives peace. This second week of Advent causes us to remember that because of Jesus we can experience a Christmas free from turmoil and chaos. Regardless of our circumstances or our situations, you offer us peace that passes understanding. We are able to have the fullness of peace in our hearts on Christmas day, and every day, because that same Jesus sits at your right hand in heaven and makes intercession for us. Keep us in perfect peace as our mind is stayed on the truth of your powerful love. Thank you for your mighty, sovereign hand. Help us to trust fully in you and rest in the peace that you offer. It’s in the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. - Hope Bolinger
Father, Praise You for Christmas! Thank You for Jesus, born to earth to live among us and pay the ultimate price for our sin. Along the way, He lived a life that we can look to as an example of how to navigate human life on earth. Belief in Him reaches beyond this life, and unto heaven. This Christmas, we ask your forgiveness for getting caught up in the hustle of commercialism and ask that You re-focus our hearts to Christ. Help us to experience His presence and revel in His closeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord, I bow my heart before You and honor You. Help me to choose not one but many holy pauses this holiday season. Please nudge me by Your Spirit and remind me to step away from the Christmas crazy and get alone with you. In Jesus’s awesome name, Amen.
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. I celebrate Your birth, Your life, Your death, and Your resurrection. And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be "God with skin on" to those in need around me. Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them! I love You. Happy birthday Jesus! In Jesus name, Amen.
~ Mary Southerland, Girlfriends in God
Father, it wasn’t with bad intentions initially that Christmas celebrations grew way beyond Who and have now made us weary. Renew in our hearts the wonder and awe of the miracles of the Gift of Christmas. Not only us, Lord, but let our new found wonder spread to our families and our friends. Let us come together to celebrate You and leave behind the fuss. In Jesus’ Name, Amen - Paris Renae
Merry Christmas to you and yours! May God's love shine bring in your home and throughout the New Year!
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