A Prayer for Christmas
By Emma Danzey
Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
It is already Christmastime again. The decor is displayed in the stores, the songs are playing, decorations are being put up, classic movies are starting to run on tv, and special events and shows are running. We can easily be so dazzled by the physical and worldly Christmas traditions that we miss the preparation of our hearts for the time of celebrating Jesus’ birth.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good Christmas tree and wrapping gifts like anyone; however, as believers, we know that there is a much deeper and more valuable meaning to this time of year. We know the true meaning of Christmas, and we are invited each year to take time and press into the joy and worship of our Savior. Today, let’s pray as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Let's Pray:
Dear Jesus,
You are the Child who was born in the manger for us in Bethlehem many years ago. Thank You for humbling Yourself and coming down in the form of man to be our eternal Savior. Thank You for being our Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
We declare today that You are wonderful in your perfection and in all that you say and do. You have been wonderful to undeserved sinners like us. We praise You. Thank You for being our Counselor and for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us each day. We praise You for being our Mighty God. You have parted seas, performed miracles, raised the dead to life, and conquered and defeated sin. We worship You for being our Everlasting Father. Even though we all, like sheep, have gone astray, you pursued us and welcomed us back into Your kingdom and adopted us, and called us co-heirs with Christ. We thank You for being our Prince of Peace. This is such a comfort as we suffer in this world of sin and walk through life knowing the difficulty that we face. We have forever peace and hope in You.
As we reflect that You could have left us to our sin, but You had a plan from the beginning to come for us, may we be glad-hearted. Fill us with the joy and excitement that You came to be our Savior and rescue us. Thank You for teaching us that Your ways are not our ways and that they are better than our own.
Help us to have teachable hearts this Christmastime to not only hear Your word and think on the gospel but to allow You to reveal it to us in fresh ways. God, show us new perspectives and give us greater appreciation for what You did and sweeter insight into details in Your Word that we have never seen.
Enable us to excitedly teach the next generation about Your love and how You came to earth. Give us creativity in presenting the gospel message through the Christmas story. Help us to be in awe of You and excited to share You with those younger than us. Give us wisdom on how to teach them the real meaning of Christmas and celebrate together in worshipful ways. Provide new ideas for new traditions to take place that would enable us to fix our eyes on You.
Even in the secular celebrations of this holiday, help us to include You and seek You within those other joys, knowing that You are the Creator. You made all of the trees, gave us lights, and provided chocolate for hot chocolate to the world and gingerbread houses. May we be in amazement at Your beauty and splendor every season.
We pray over those who have a difficult time during the holidays. Help them to rest in You and feel seen and cared for by their community. We pray that this Christmas will be an intimate time with You. We pray for those who are new to families or are part of new traditions to feel welcomed and enjoy this new sweet season. You are so good, and we praise you for being the Savior of the world. Amen.
Photo credit: Chad Madden/Unsplash.com
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Originally published Monday, 25 December 2023.
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