Father,

Thank you for the gift of Christmas. I pray that this year we we feel Your presence near to us. I pray we are not focused on the gifts under the tree but that our eyes are on You and the gift of Emmanuel- God with us. It’s so easy to be sucked into the expectations and pressure of creating the perfect holiday, but I pray that we will take the time to stop and remember the true meaning of the season. Renew our minds so we can shift to a mindset of gratitude and awe and worship of You.

Lord, help us to receive this gift of Jesus and the joy that we can have because of Him. Thank you that He is a gift that we can choose to enjoy each day, not just on Christmas morning. Help us to ponder in our hearts and treasure what Christmas really means and respond in wonder and celebration.

During this Christmas when things are very different for us, please give us grace to enjoy this day. Bless the food we prepare and eat. Bless the family we can see and the family we may not be able to gather with on this day. We thank you for all the blessings that You have provided us with and for all the special memories we will take from today.

Thank You God that Christmas is never truly canceled, and neither is hope because we know You are the God of hope. Fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in You so that we might overflow with hope today and always (Romans 15:13). Thank You for every good gift and for Your love that makes Christmas possible.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen