Lord, on this Christmas Eve, we pause to prepare our hearts for a most beautiful celebration: Your birth and coming to earth as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Clear our minds so we can focus on You and the joy You bring to us through Your gift of salvation. May the same thrill and anticipation that filled Mary, the chosen mother of Jesus, consume us and draw us close to You. May our spirits cry out, “Alleluia,” with the host of angels who first delivered the good news of great joy to humble, awe-struck shepherds that night so long ago—the news that would literally one day be heard around the world.
Help us remember and reflect on the awesome prophecies foretelling Your birth since the beginning of time. Give us eyes of faith to see on this side of the Cross what prophets chose to believe through promises and visions. Immanuel, God with Us, Prince of Peace, the Son of God, Messiah—may all that You are saturate our senses and fill our hearts with both gratitude and worship as we bow this evening before You and offer our prayer to You.
Empty us of sin—and anything that could inhibit our understanding or block the beautiful celebration of Your birth. We surrender all, that we may receive Your all this Christmas Eve night. Whether it's one of us or an entire family, we want to prepare our hearts for You even as You are preparing a place for us to join You one day. May every thought, every desire, every word, and every gift-giving action this special night usher us into that place where You will meet us as we are. May the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to You and bring You the glory and honor You so deserve.
Just as the three Magi brought their offerings in celebration of Your birth, we bring You gifts, too: the declaration of our obedience and devotion to You, the quieting of our hearts and spirits, and the joyful overflow of worship and adoration. May this preparation night be a holy night as we once again receive and celebrate Your great gift to us this Christmas. In Your precious name, Amen.
Dear God, on this Christmas Eve, we want to think about the real reason for this happy season: Jesus' birth. We'll give and receive gifts to say how much we love each other, just like the three kings brought gifts to Jesus. But instead of thinking about what we might get for Christmas, help us to focus on what we can give to You. We want our hearts to be ready so we can truly enjoy celebrating Jesus' birthday and the peace and joy He came to give us. We want to give You a happy heart that wants to obey You, God—one that loves You and others.
Tonight we think about that special night long ago when a big, bright star shone in the sky along with an angel that frightened shepherds. And the good news given to those shepherds was for us, too: “Don't be afraid. Tonight in Bethlehem a Savior has been born. This is the Messiah, the Son of God.” When we sing the Christmas carols at this time of year, may we join the angels' song and so many others who are praising and thanking You for sending us Jesus. He is the very best gift You will ever give us. And tonight we just want to thank You again for how much You love us, just as we are. Thank You for the way You care for us and will never leave us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, not everyone feels joyful at this season. So many have lost loved ones during the year, and in many places, the winter cold blows its bitter winds into lonely hearts. On this Christmas Eve, we pray for those who are grieving losses. Memories of happy times with loved ones in the past can send a rush of tears to those whose arms ache with emptiness. Lord, dry those tears with Your sweet words of comfort and cheer. Turn their sorrow into joy as only You can do.
Remind those who are grieving, Lord, that You are the great Comforter and Counselor, and that You never leave us or forsake us. You are always with us, holding our hearts tenderly in Your hands. Surround them with friends and family who will cover them with love and let them know they are not forgotten. May the joy of Your birth and the good news of Your coming to earth as the Savior of the world cushion their grief this Christmas Eve night. On this night of miracles, speak peace to those who need it most. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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.
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!
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.
Dear God, sometimes I get too caught in the 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.
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.