25 Christmas Prayers and Blessings to Share with Family and Friends This Holiday Season

A Christmas morning prayer can help set a reverent and grateful tone for the day as you celebrate the birth of Jesus. Here's a sample Christmas morning prayer:

"Heavenly Father, On this blessed Christmas morning, we come before you with hearts overflowing with gratitude and joy. We thank you for the wondrous gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate today.

As the world awakens to the celebration of Christ's birth, we bow our heads in humble reverence. We are reminded of the hope, love, and salvation that Christ brings into our lives.

Lord, bless our families and loved ones gathered here today. May our time together be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Let our celebrations reflect the warmth of your love and the spirit of giving that defines this season.

As we exchange gifts, help us remember the ultimate gift of Christ's love, the reason for our celebration. May the joy of Christmas extend beyond today, inspiring us to be instruments of your grace and kindness in the lives of others.

Lord, as we embark on this Christmas day, fill our hearts with the wonder of your love and the significance of this day. May our actions and words reflect the message of hope and salvation that Christ's birth brings to the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

2. A Prayer for a Season of Joy

Holy Father,

Thank you so much for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ, my Savior. Lord, it is easy to be stressed during the Christmas season, and I need help remaining focused on You. While this earth promises temporary happiness and distractions, true joy comes from You. Lord, help me to remember what the Bible says, “I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18b). Fill me up with the true joy of knowing You, and having a relationship with Your Son, and the purpose of His birth, which was my redemption.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

3. The Christmas Prayer of Saint Augustine of Hippo

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

4. A Christmas Prayer for Love

Holy Father,

Thank you for loving us so much that You gave Your only Son to die for my sins, and be the way for a wretched sinner such as myself to come before You. Lord, I pray that in my life, You will multiply love. Help me to love my friends and family more. Teach me to love strangers the way You do. I also ask that others feel Your love at this time of year when we focus on the great love You bestowed on us through Jesus Christ. Reveal some new facet of Your love to Your church during Advent. Use Your disciples to be the light of the world that shines Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

5. A Christmas Tree Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As we gather around this beautifully adorned Christmas tree, we are reminded of the joy and wonder of this special season. We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate with love and gratitude.

This tree, with its shimmering lights and ornaments, symbolizes the light of Christ that shines in our hearts. As we gaze upon it, may we be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas—the hope, love, and salvation that Christ brings into our lives.

Lord, bless our homes and families as we gather around this tree. May our hearts be filled with the warmth of your love and the spirit of giving that defines this season.

As we place these ornaments with care, help us remember the moments of joy, laughter, and love that we have shared throughout the years. May this tree be a symbol of the love and unity we have as a family.

Lord, as the lights on this tree brighten our homes, may your light shine even brighter in our lives. May our homes be filled with the peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

6. A Christmas Dinner Prayer

Father God, On this joyous Christmas Day, we gather around this table with hearts full of gratitude. We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate today.

As we partake of this meal, may it nourish our bodies and strengthen our spirits. Bless the hands that have prepared it, and may it be a symbol of the abundance of your love and grace.

Lord, we also remember those who are less fortunate and in need during this season. May your love and compassion be with them, and may we always be mindful of our duty to care for those in distress.

As we enjoy this Christmas feast, let our time together be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. May the spirit of giving and the warmth of your love be evident in our conversations and actions.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

7. A Christmas Prayer for A Peaceful Heart

Holy Father,

Thank you that You provide peace that passes all understanding. It is wonderful to live a life where I can always turn to You when I am worried, upset, or when life gets difficult. Through the prophet Isaiah, You assured us that, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Lord, there is often a focus on peace on earth at Christmas, but many people do not pursue You for that peace. They try in man’s power to bring about, or coerce, peace between men. But You, O Lord, are the great reconciler. Please give me a peaceful heart, so I am at peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as those who do not know You yet. I know there will not be world peace until after Your return, but I know that You can give me peace.

In Your name I humbly ask for this, Amen.

8. A Child's Christmas Prayer

A simple and child-friendly Christmas prayer that can be easily understood by young children:

"Dear God,

Thank you for this special day, Christmas! We are so happy and excited.

We remember that today is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, your Son. Thank you for sending Him to bring us love, joy, and hope.

Bless our family and friends as we come together. Help us to be kind and share with others, just like you taught us through Jesus.

We also remember those who may be sad or in need. Please comfort them and help us find ways to help.

As we open our presents, may we remember the greatest gift of all, Jesus. And may our hearts be filled with love and gratitude.

Thank you for this delicious meal we are about to share. Bless the food, and help us enjoy it together.

We love you, God. Merry Christmas!

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

9. A Prayer to Put Jesus First This Christmas

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

10. A Prayer for Healing This Christmas Season

Dear God,

You already know the pain we’ve carried, the deep wounds, the feelings of loss and heartache. You know how we’ve so often lost hope. Wondering if we’ll ever be truly free from this burden. It feels too great some days. We desperately need your healing and grace. We need your peace and our hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, and completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running in different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. 

We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else can fully see or understand. You know all the places where we need to be set free, even those we’re not aware of. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your mighty power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

- Debbie McDaniel

Photo credit: Pixabay

Holy Father,

As the year comes to a close, I know this time of year should be focused on You. While I enjoy decorating for the season, giving to my loved ones, and preparing for the new year, help me not to get too focused on “stuff.” I want to be focused on You, family, friends, and spiritual matters. Keep my heart centered on You, rather than on the materialistic message and inclination of this time of year. Have Your way in my heart, O Lord.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

12. A Christmas Prayer for Reconciliation

Holy Father,

Thank you for sending Your Son to die on the cross so that I can be reconciled to You. I know I’m a sinner separated from You by that very sin, but because of the death and resurrection, I can have a relationship with my Savior. Lord, because of my sinful heart, I know that I come into conflict with people in my life. Your Word is clear though, I should be reconciled with others just like I am with You. If I have hurt someone, show me so that I can make it right. Help me to forgive and reach out to those who have hurt me. Help me embody the reconciliation that You extended to us.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

13. A Prayer to Focus on the Virgin Birth

Holy Father,

Thank you for sending Your Son to die, taking my place and paying the debt for my sin. At this time of year, I want to be focused on the miracle of His birth, and all the significance of that moment. Please help me to keep my mind on Jesus Christ and the gift of Him in the midst of the chaos, the shopping, and the stress. The church sets aside time to think about the miracle of the virgin birth, and the gift of God’s grace and forgiveness embodied in a baby. Let that be my primary focus this Christmas.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

14. A Prayer for the Weary at Christmas

Dear God, Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light.  Thank you that you promise to give to us, those who feel worried, hurried, pressured, and stressed; deep rest and peace for our souls - if we'll just come before you. Thank you for your reminder that we don't have to carry it all. Forgive us for the times we try to be self-sufficient, for not taking time to rest. Thank you for the refreshing that comes from your Spirit, filling us with joy, covering us with your shield of favor and blessing, leading us forward with hope.  Equip us to be those who notice the lonely, the hurting. Help us to slow down, to take time, to point others to you. In Jesus. name, Amen.

- Debbie McDaniel

15. A Prayer for a Holy Pause This Christmas

Lord, I bow my heart before You and honor You. Here I am in a holy pause. Thank you for this moment to step out of the busyness and step into your presence. 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.

- Julie Gilles

16. A Gospel Prayer This Holiday Season

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the men and women who have gone before us to pen the words to the carols we sing today. As I sing the familiar words, I pray You will open the eyes of my heart to see the words and stir my heart to praise You afresh. I also pray for those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I pray that as they sing the words to carols or even hear them on the radio, they will recognize the gospel and understand that Jesus came as the babe in the manger to die on the cross…because of His great love for them. I pray that they will hear the gospel and embrace the message. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

- Sharon Jaynes

17. A Prayer of Thanks for Jesus

Father, we thank You for the prophecies that foretold the coming of our Savior, Jesus. We thank You that He is a Wonderful Counselor, that He is the mighty King of Judah, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. God, we thank You that Your Kingdom is held up by justice and righteousness and that it reigns forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

18. A Prayer for When Your Christmas Spirit is Crushed

Dear Lord, You know the heaviness of my heart this Christmas. Please help me refocus on You and the fact that You sent Your Son to this earth as a baby so I could live with hope despite my circumstances. Refresh my Christmas spirit, and infuse me with the joy I long to have. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Tracie Miles

19. A Prayer for the Holiday Season

Dear Lord, Thank you for this time of year, full of laughter, fun, and celebration. Thank you for the time to reflect on you and your many blessings and celebrate the birth of your only Son as your long-fulfilled promise of love for us. Although the world depicts a time of year full of laughter and joy, I pray for those who feel alone, for those who are grieving. I pray as they look around and see nothing but happiness that they do not feel like something is wrong with them. Why they cannot seem to just choose happiness in the most wonderful time of the year, as the Christmas song depicts.

My Father, I pray for those who have lost a loved one or several loved ones and feel nothing but pain and sadness during the holidays. I pray that we do not forget them — I pray we show them kindness and understanding. I pray we can let them know that any and all feelings can be felt during the holidays, and that is okay. I pray that this year, we enjoy the family we do have around us. I pray we remember the good times we had with a loved one now lost and that only good memories abound in our minds. I pray that the holidays bring love, joy, and kindness to us all and that we show it to a world that is broken and hurting. 

Thank you for coming to earth and living among us until it was time for you to die and rise again for us. Thank you for taking away our sins and offering us the gift of salvation. I pray that the focus of the holidays this year be about you and your love for us — that we keep Jesus at the heart of our celebrations.

We love and trust you with all of our hearts, our Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

- Molly Law

20. A Prayer for Peace on Earth

Today I lay before you all my struggles, my heartache, my worry. Fill me with your perfect peace. Please allow your peace to overwhelm me, to impact me, to change my heart and my attitude. Allow your peace to flow through me. Please give me the words to speak with those around me that will leave them wanting your peace as they seek to know you, the perfect peace giver.

In your name, I pray, Amen

- Tiffany Thibault 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/DGLimages

Holy Father,

Thank you for Your kindness and love. Lord, I know that it took a truly humble spirit to pour out Your glory to come to this earth, take on flesh, and live as a helpless child. For You, the Creator of the universe, to give up Your power and Your throne to live among sinful man, was an act of true selflessness. Please teach me that kind of attitude. Give me a humble spirit so that I can live for You and for others. Make me more like You, O Lord. Help me to remember the great act of sacrifice that occurred at Christmas and at the cross.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

22. A Prayer for Opportunities to Share the Gospel

Holy Father,

Thank you for the reminder of the good news of the gift of salvation. I praise You, my Savior, for coming to die on the cross for my sins. This Christmas, please show me someone that does not know You as their Savior, and use me to share the good news of forgiveness with them. Please use me to show Your love to someone who does not know it yet, and show them the true importance of Christmas.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen. 

23. A Prayer for Opportunities to do Good

Holy Father,

Thank you for making Your love and forgiveness accessible to all people. Thank you that, as it says in the Bible, the needy shall not be forgotten and the hope of the poor shall not perish. I am grateful for all You have done for me, and I want to show Your love to others this Christmas season. Lord, please open my heart and my eyes, to see those in need around me, and give me the power and ability to make a difference for them. Help me to see the person to whom I can give a cup of water, a warm blanket, or a strong prayer. Guide me to someone who You want to use me to help.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

24. A Prayer against Loneliness at Christmastime

Holy Father,

Thank you for always being with us. You Word says that if I ascend to heaven, or go to the depths of Sheol, or take up wings, or go to the depths of the sea, You are with me (Psalm 139). Lord, many people get lonely at Christmas, because they cannot be with loved ones, due to distance, death, or disagreement. Please help them to feel Your presence; comfort them and help them to know Your joy. If someone is lonely who does not know You, please send someone to share the Gospel with them. If that person can be me, please use me in that way, to be a friend and comfort to the lonely.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

25. A Prayer for Christmas Cheer All Year Long

Dear Heavenly Father, no words describe how incredibly grateful we are for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. So many distractions in this world, especially during Christmas, keep us focused on You. Thank you for preparing our hearts and minds as we celebrated the arrival of your son and, ultimately, the second coming, when all will be made new. 

We pray for those who have lost loved ones and deeply feel the weight of grief during the holiday season. We pray for those experiencing family tension and strife, that their conversations may be filled with compassion, and forgiveness is offered quickly to those who offend. We pray for those experiencing health issues, financial crises, wayward children, and general unrest. May you quiet their hearts and minds, comforting and offering peace only you can give.

We ask, Lord, that we practice patience, humility, love, and forgiveness to all who cross our paths, not just in December but year around. May our actions draw people closer to You, let our words be a calming balm to a hurt soul, let us give generously to those in need, and bear one another's burdens, always remembering to pray in your name. 

We love you, Lord; forgive us when we sin against you; help us to be more like you tomorrow than we were today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Laura Bailey

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/paulaphoto

Meditating on certain Bible verses can also keep the focus on God. Some people also pray over certain passages of Scripture. Here are three Bible verses that are especially important at Christmas. 

Bible Verse about His Coming

Isaiah 7:13-15 - “And he said, ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.” 

Bible Verse about His Birth

Luke 2:11-14 - “‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’”

Bible Verse about Why He Came

Matthew 20:26-28 - “...But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

During the close of the year, people often begin to focus on fresh starts, on what means the most to them, and to contemplate life more. At Christmas, focusing on the importance of Jesus’ death and everything it means is key to the Christian calendar. Using prayer as a tool to connect with Him and be more present and engaged with eternal things that are the most important is one way to make Christmas more about Jesus.

Read more Christmas Bible Verses HERE.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/ Piotr Wójcik