Every December, one celebration we all look out for is Christmas. Amazingly, it is a season anticipated by both Christians and non-Christians alike. But why not? December 25th is a day to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And yes, it is worth every bouquet, wine toast, family reunion, picnic with loved ones and every laughter. But the celebration of Christmas goes beyond these.
It is a season to meditate on the light, life and salvation brought to us by the birth of Jesus, to reflect on the great love of God for us His children which prompted Him to bring His son to us and also, to emulate that great love; showing it to our loved ones.
Here’s a list of prayers that would help plunge you into deep mediation and connection with Christ during the Christmas season:
1. Love Came
Love came, held safe safely within a gentle womb, All the truth, majesty, and creativity of a living God; Poured into a tiny heart, Making a quiet entrance in a dark and uninviting shack. Just one star shone anew as a handful of people were brought, Led by angelic voices, and open hearts. A young mother, A faith-filled father, Men of wisdom who searched for truth And a group of humble herdsmen. They came to bow before a new life And acknowledge that the rescuer had arrived; That the Word of God had come alive And that the extraordinary transformation of heaven and earth Had begun.
By Julie Palmer
2. A Humble Christmas Prayer
God, our Creator, we offer this humble prayer on Christmas Day. We come to worship with a song of thanks in our hearts. A song of redemption, a song of hope and renewal. We pray for joy in our hearts, hope in our God, love to forgive, and peace upon the earth. We ask for the salvation of all our family members and friends, and we pray your blessings on all people. May there be bread for the hungry, love for the unlovable, healing for the sick, protection for our children, and wisdom for our youth. We pray for the forgiveness of sinners and abundant life in Christ. Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your love and power. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
By Rev. Lia Icaza Willetts
3. Joy as Our Redeemer
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 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.
By Wilehelm Loehe
4. Moonless Darkness Stands Between
But the Bethlehem star may lead me To the sight of Him Who freed me From the self that I have been. Make me pure, Lord: Thou art Holy; Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly; Now beginning, and always, Now begin, on Christmas day.
By Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J.
5. A Prayer for Christmas Eve
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.
By Robert Louis Stevenson
6. Pope John XXII’s Christmas prayer
O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women, this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also, your beauty, holiness, and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.
By Pope John XXIII
7. A Simple Prayer for Christmas Dinner
Dear God, we give thanks for this time when we can all be together. We give thanks for this food which is bountiful and delicious. We give thanks for this joyful holiday when we can celebrate our Savior and his love for us. With joy we pray, Amen.
By Beth McLendon
8. A Prayer About the True Gift of Christmas
The gifts I’d leave beneath your tree, Aren’t those that you can touch or see, No toys meant just for pointless play, But gifts to bless you every day. The gift of friendship warm and true, Is one that I would leave for you. Good health and happiness and cheer To keep you smiling through the year. The gift of peace that comes from God, With prayer to guide each path you trod. And when your heart has lost its song The gift of hope to cheer you on. These are the gifts I’d leave for you.
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9. A Christmas Prayer for Action
When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with the flocks, then the work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit, to feed the hungry, to release the oppressed, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among all peoples, to make a little music with the heart. And to radiate the Light of Christ, every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say. Then the work of Christmas begins.
By Howard Thurman
10. A Prayer for the Christmas Tree
Holy Creator of Trees, bless with your abundant grace this our Christmas tree as a symbol of joy. May its evergreen branches be a sign of your never-fading promises. May its colorful lights and ornaments call us to decorate with love our home and our world. May the gifts that surround this tree be symbols of the gifts we have received from the Tree of Christ’s Cross. Holy Christmas tree within our home, may Joy and Peace come and nest in your branches and in our hearts. Amen.
Author Unknown
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Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.