Everyone has their own idea of how to celebrate the Christmas season. As Christ followers, we have the opportunity to spread the message of the real reason for the season. One way we can do this is by offering up prayers and blessings at parties and events.
Most people are open to a prayer before a meal or before a celebration during the Christmas season because they get a sense of euphoria with all the “peace on earth” and “joy of the season” talk. As Christ followers, we can use this moment to speak truth and life into their hearts with a scripture based prayer.
Difference Between Prayer and Blessing
I thought it might be good to explain why I differentiated between prayers and blessings. It’s not really a big deal other than it can mean different things to different cultures and situations. Having lived in a large city with lots of cultures and beliefs, I found it good to know when when the way we offer to do a prayer might affect others.
Prayer can be seen as more formal because we tend to bow our heads and close our eyes. It can make people uncomfortable to be “prayed over”. However, some are welcoming to be brought before God and feel special that you as a believer thought to bring them or their circumstances before your God.
Many cultures have traditions of blessings they give on special occasions so this is more acceptable to some rather than asking to pray. Because a blessings is seen as coming from you to the individual, it is sometimes less threatening to others. You can raise your hand or put your hand on the individual and speak the blessing with eyes open.
The Bible tells us to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:31). Offering blessings and prayers over others, however you or the people around you might feel most comfortable, is one way to display our Christ’s love and fulfill God’s commandment.
Christmas Prayers and Blessings
I have separated these prayers and blessings into categories to help you quickly find what might help you. Also, there is a scripture reference with each that I would suggest being read before or after the prayer. And, as always, please feel free to share the images on social media as a way to share Jesus this Christmas.
Short Christmas Blessings
When we request blessings for others, we acknowledge God’s intervention in our lives and His ability to provide for others and in circumstances we cannot. Blessings are typically done in the presence of the person (or event). They also tend to be shorter.
Christmas Blessings for Family and Friends
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
The Lord bless and keep ________(my friends, family, name) safe, warm, and focused on Him this Christmas season. May your light shine upon them so they may see your love, joy, grace, mercy, and peace.
Blessing Over the Host Home
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Lord, thank you for our host’s life and for their opening up their home today. Bless this house. May You be present in its activities and be honored always. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Submitted by: Dr. Matt Hess
Blessing Over the Christmas Meal (or Gathering)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV
Father, every good gift is provided by Your hand, and this includes this wonderful meal before us. Bless it to the nourishment of our bodies, bless the fellowship we are about to have around this table, and be blessed today within our midst.
Submitted by: Dr. Matt Hess
Christmas Prayers and Scripture Reflections
These scripture based prayers can be for your own personal quiet time or can be used in a public setting.
Prayer for Those in Need this Christmas Season
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 KJV
I pray for everyone in need, especially during this Christmas season, that the Lord shall supply your need. I pray that the Lord will bless you and cause his face to shine on you. I pray that he will send resources your way. He will send help to you. I pray that you will not be stranded. I pray that all that you need to have an enjoyable Christmas and an enjoyable life afterwards, the Lord will send your way. The Lord will put it in the hearts of many to bless you with gifts. He will also bless the works of your hands and cause you to prosper beyond your comprehension. You will have more than enough, such that you are also able to be a blessing to other people. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Submitted by: Oluwapelumi Boluwaji www.oluwapelumiboluwaji.com
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21 NIV
Lord, as we celebrate this Christmas season with good food and gifts, we are reminded that not everyone has such a bounty and we pray for those in need today. We pray You would bless them and provide their physical needs and use us to be such a blessing. Thank you Lord for all the ways you provide and bless us. Amen.
Submitted by: Dr. Matt Hess
Prayer for Those Hurting this Christmas Season
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn. Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV
Father God, you are the Great Physician, the Ultimate Healer of our hearts and bodies. We pray for those who are in pain this Christmas season. For those who have lost loved ones, and who are hurting in ways we can’t even imagine. Be with them as you promised, Oh God. Let them feel your presence in ways they didn’t know were possible; even if they don’t yet know you, Lord. Use their pain to point them to You – the only one who can completely heal. May You bind up their broken hearts and fling wide their prison doors, whatever that may look like. Use us as Your hands and feet to those who are hurting. Let them see You in us, Father, and may You bring abundant healing, blessing and comfort. We ask these things in Your powerful Name, Amen.
Submitted by: Lieren Jamrozik https://www.motherhoodbeyondsurvival.com
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
Father God, Christmas can be a difficult time of year for those who are hurting. Today we pray blessing over those who are emotionally and physically suffering this Christmas. We pray they will sense your nearness and find comfort in your love. We pray you will encourage them through the love of others, shower them with unexpected blessings, and reveal yourself to them like never before. Amen.
Submitted by: Stacey Pardoe staceypardoe.com
Prayers for the Lost to Experience Jesus this Christmas
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Heavenly Father, I pray that you; who are the source of hope and joy and peace would fill, even overflow those who trust in you! Lord by the Power of Your Spirit draw many to yourself and may they overflow with hope this Christmas and always in the light of your glorious Son; Jesus Christ our mighty Savior; The Way, The Truth, and The Life! May their lives be forever transformed by the Spirit’s working in and through them for your honor and glory and our good. Amen!
Submitted by: Pastor Joshua McKaye www.fellowshippickering.ca
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
Father God, I thank you for being the light of my life, for revealing yourself to me, and for giving me eyes to see your truth. I pray this Christmas season that you would prepare the hearts of many to receive your gospel message. I pray that you would reveal yourself to them too; that they would be given the gift of salvation, and that they would follow after you in all areas of their life. I pray that this Christmas season you would give boldness to your people to share the good news to others. I pray that by your Spirit you would reveal your light to many who don’t know you; that they would be broken by their sin and seek your forgiveness, and that they would see their need for a Savior.
Submitted by: Ashley Harris, Disciplemaker
More Christmas Resources
Follow the Star to Christmas Countdown (Free Printable)
Names of Jesus Christmas Advent (Free Printable)
More Prayer Resources
New Year Prayers and Blessings
I love these prayers and blessings! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure. Thank for these amazing contributors.
I love the prayers especially the prayer for those hurting this Christmas season. It is a season with so many opportunities to be a blessing to many going through tough times. Thanks for sharing
Yes. It’s a great reminder to pray for those who need the joy of Christ in their lives.
I enjoyed reading the difference between blessings and prayers. Lovely prayers for Christmas btw!!
Thank you for reading. Praying they are encouraging to many and offer the hope of Christ this season.