45 Christmas Prayers And Blessings To Share With The Whole Family

The Christmas season is, at its core, a celebration of life, and as the cookie swaps, holiday shopping, and general fanfare of the season draw near, these Christmas prayers and blessings shift focus on the reason for the season. It's not all fruitcake and tacky sweaters, something Mama makes sure to tell us whenever we're stressing about burnt Christmas cookies and the like.

More than once, your home will be filled with family and friends, and you'll gather 'round a table piled with everyone's best holiday dishes . What now? Do as Mama would do: Celebrate the occasion with a mindful Christmas prayer. In fact, celebrate the entire season with these thoughtful and thankful Christmas prayers and blessings that express our gratitude for Jesus' birth, request peace, joy, and hope, and celebrate the true meaning of the season. Use them before you begin the day, before meals, at bedtime, in holiday cards, and at holiday gatherings. You're guaranteed to find a few that fit your family and set the tone for the most gracious Christmas yet. Ah-men!

Traditional Messages For A Holiday Gathering

• "Almighty God, who has poured upon us the new light of your Incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." —Book of Common Prayer

• "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." —Wilehelm Loehe

• "Dear Heavenly Father, love brought Jesus to the earth, and love brings us to this Christmas table . Today as we share this holiday feast, may we also share with one another a joyful heart and a warm smile. May our Christmas dinner be filled with kindness. And may the memories of today warm our hearts for years to come. Amen." —Beth McLendon

• "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

• "Lord of All, we give you thanks for your abundance, and for all the great things you have given us, especially the birth of Your Son on this day. We ask your blessing upon this food , and upon our friends and family. We also pray that in your great mercy, you would look kindly upon all those in need this day. We pray in Jesus name, Amen." —David Bennett
  

• "He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." —John 1:10-13

Uplifting Christmas Prayers

• "God grant you the light of Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ." —Wilda English

• "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." —Rev. Lia Icaza Willetts

• "Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born. Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their savior is born. Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born. Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born. Let free men rejoice, for their Liberator is born. Let All Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born." —Saint Augustine of Hippo

• "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." —Beth McLendon

• "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." — Howard Thurman

• "Lord Jesus,
  the day of your nativity approaches,
  the day on which we commemorate
  your birth,
  your condescension,
  your humble incarnation.
  Please help me and mine
  to approach that day on tiptoe,
  with reverence and awe,
  mindful of your holiness and beauty,
  and grateful for the privilege
  of finding
  and approaching
  and kneeling at
  your manger, amen."
  — Bob Hostetler
  

Christmas Prayers As Poetry

• "I thank Thee, Lord, today
  For Thy unfailing presence
  Along life's rugged way.
  Guide me, O blest Redeemer,
  Teach me to do Thy will,
  And Thine own perfect purpose
  In me each day fulfill."
  —Avis Christiansen

• "Our hearts are on fire today with love of You, o Lord. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we pray for the strength and courage to share the love that we feel today, tomorrow and each day, with those who need it most, helping to build Your kingdom here on earth. Amen."
  —Author Unknown
  

• "Born thy people to deliver,
  born a child and yet a King,
  born to reign in us forever,
  now thy gracious kingdom bring.
  By thine own eternal spirit
  rule in all our hearts alone;
  by thine all sufficient merit,
  raise us to thy glorious throne."
  — "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus," by Charles Wesley

• "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."
  — "Another Year With Jesus," by Kay Hoffman

• "Love came, held 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"
  —"Love Came," by Julie Palmer

• "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."
  —"Moonless Darkness Stands Between," Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J.

Christmas Blessings For Peace And Hope

• "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." —Author Unknown

• "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 relationship with a holy God. Your birth—and Your death—sealed Your promise to us forever." —Rebecca Barlow Jordan

• "God, recently, our days have been joy-filled yet busy. Occasionally, we get distracted from the true meaning of Christmas . As we gather here tonight, in this quiet moment, we feel your loving embrace. We are filled with gratitude for this meal, this fellowship, and all the blessings you give us. Amen." —Author Unknown
  

• "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." –Rebecca Barlow Jordan

• "Lord, one more time, I willingly and joyfully lay myself at Your feet to be used as the packaging and wrapping of Your gift of Jesus to the world every day, all year long. In the midst of all the holiday noise, give me ears to hear the gentle voice of Your Spirit nudging me toward tangible acts of love. Amen." —Author Unknown
  

Blessings For A Memorable Christmas Eve

• "Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
  Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
  Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
  And fit us for heaven, to live with you there."
  —John T. McFarland

• "Grant, we pray, almighty God,
  that, as we are bathed in the new radiance of your Incarnate Word,
  the light of faith, which illumines our minds,
  may also shine through in our deeds.
  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
  one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
  —Author Unknown
  

• "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." —Author Unknown

• "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

• "Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth, may we begin to see the world in the light of understanding you give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving. Amen." —Karen L. Oberst

• "Lord and Giver of all good things, the magi travelled for miles to bring the Christ child the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us, especially the gift of live itself. Amen." —Author Unknown

• "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

• "Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day and the many blessings You've given us. Grant us a restful night of sleep as we await the celebration of the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Amen." —Author Unknown
  

• "Dear God, we know that the greatest gift we have ever received is Jesus. May we remember that tomorrow, and may any presents under the tree remind us of our life's biggest blessing. Amen." —Author Unknown
  

Christmas Day Prayers

• "O Child Divine, Lord Jesus Christ — As the blessed Magi Saw You In the bright Star from the East And the Shepherds Heard Your message In the Angels' song of Peace, So we come before Your Manger On this sacred Christmas morn With our eyes, our ears, our hearts in need Of Healing from Your Light — God's Love reborn." —Mother Teresa

• "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." —Pope John XXIII
  

• "Disturb us, O Lord
  when we are too well-pleased with ourselves 
  when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little, 
  because we sailed too close to the shore.
  Disturb us, O Lord
  when with the abundance of things we possess, 
  we have lost our thirst for the water of life 
  when, having fallen in love with time, 
  we have ceased to dream of eternity 
  and in our efforts to build a new earth, 
  we have allowed our vision of Heaven to grow dim.
  Stir us, O Lord
  to dare more boldly, to venture into wider seas 
  where storms show Thy mastery, 
  where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.
  In the name of Him who pushed back the horizons of our hopes 
  and invited the brave to follow.
  Amen"
  —Desmond Tutu

• "Lord God, let me never forget all that you do for me on a daily basis. Sustain me with the hope of my salvation and the other countless blessings you provide with your continuous presence in my life. Lead me to live my life in testimony to your incredible blessings , that your love may be known and experienced by all those I serve, in Jesus' name. Amen." —Author Unknown

• "Great God and Father of all humanity,
  thank you that because of this day,
  this holy feast, in the words of Chrysostom,
  the ancient slavery is ended,
  the devil confounded,
  the demons take to flight,
  the power of death is broken,
  paradise is unlocked,
  the curse is taken away,
  sin is removed from us,
  error driven out,
  truth has been brought back,
  the speech of kindliness diffused,
  and spreads on every side,
  a heavenly way of life has been in-planted on the earth,
  angels communicate with men without fear,
  and men now hold speech with angels,
  amen!"
  —Bob Hostetler

• "On this day of joy, we are all called to contemplate the Child Jesus, who gives hope once again to every person on the face of the earth. By his grace, let us with our voices and our actions give witness to solidarity and peace. Merry Christmas to all!" —Pope Francis

• "The things of God can wait, we think and we say. And yet he is the most important thing, ultimately the one truly important thing. Why should we not also be moved by curiosity to see more closely and to know what God has said to us? At this hour, let us ask him to touch our hearts with the holy curiosity and the holy joy of the shepherds, and thus let us go over joyfully to Bethlehem, to the Lord who today once more comes to meet us. Amen." —Pope Benedict
  

Short Christmas Prayers And Blessings

• "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." —Matthew 1:21

• "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." —Luke 2:11

• "Come, thou long expected Jesus,
  Born to set your people free; 
  From our fears and sins release us, 
  Let us find our rest in thee."
  —Charles Wesley

• "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." —Isaiah 7:14

• "Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with kindness and joy as we celebrate the gift of Jesus today." —Author Unknown

• "May the gift of Jesus renew your spirit and bring hope, peace, and joy that lasts throughout the season and all year long." —Author Unknown
  

Related: 140 Merry Christmas Wishes To Include In Your Christmas Cards

Read the original article on Southern Living