A Christmas Eve Prayer

A Christmas Eve Prayer

Our society has become so commercialized that the word Christmas today is most often connected to gifts and shopping. As Christians, we know that the celebration of Christmas is so much more than finding just the right gift for loved ones. It’s more than twinkling lights and snowfalls and making little children’s hopes come true. It’s about spending quality time with those we love, and most importantly, Christmas is about the little baby in the manger, our Lord and Savior, come to earth to save us all.

Sometimes when we are going through challenges in life, it is difficult to celebrate at Christmastime. If you or a loved one has been caught up with drug or alcohol addiction, or if you are newly sober and trying to rebuild relationships with those you love, focusing on the true meaning of Christmas is the perfect place to start. Because of Christmas, all the wicked, shameful things you’ve done in your life are washed away. You are forgiven because that baby born in Bethlehem on Christmas is your Savior. He loves you and wants nothing more than for you to know Him as your Savior and trust in His salvation.

Don’t let the pain of addiction steal your joy this Christmas. Remember you are a dearly loved child of God, and you have the hope of a renewed life here on earth, and most importantly, a joyously eternal life in heaven.

Children at this time of year often write letters to Santa, asking for all the things they want for Christmas. This year, pray the following prayer to your God, not just asking Him for things you desire, but thanking and praising Him for all He has done and continues to do for you.

Dear Lord Jesus,

You are the God of the universe, and yet you came to earth to be born in a humble barn. You weren’t thinking of yourself when you gave up your heavenly home and came to live among us. Thank you for coming to earth, humbling yourself to become a baby, growing up in a hostile world, and suffering and dying in my place for my sins. I don’t thank you enough for all you have done, and in fact, many times I turn my back on you and fail to acknowledge you as my Savior at all.

Forgive me for the times I take your sacrifice for granted. Forgive me for focusing too much on the things of this world, and for making Christmas into such a worldly holiday. Forgive me for the times I’ve taken you out of Christmas altogether. Help me do better this year. Help me remember that the real reason for our celebrations, family gatherings, and gift-giving is because you gave us the greatest gift ever: yourself.

Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to go my own way this year, turning away from you and your love. Forgive me for the drug abuse, excessive drinking, gambling, lying, stealing, harsh words, laziness, and the abusive words and actions. Thank you for forgiving all my wrongs, and for giving me so many second chances to turn my life around. Please help me turn from my addictive lifestyle and find renewal through you.

I ask that you please watch over all those who are going through addiction rehab right now, as well as their family and loved ones. Keep them safe from an overdose, safe from complications, and safe from depression and anxiety. We know you see all and you have a plan for our lives, but we ask that you help those of us going through recovery right now to recognize your plan and trust you to guide us, according to your will. Bring families together this Christmas, especially those who have experienced strained relationships in the past, and help them heal.

Thank you most of all for the hope I have of eternal life with you. I look forward to the day when there will be no more pain, no more addiction, no more sickness, no more fights, no more lying, no more relapse, no more money problems, no more layoffs, no more anxiety, no more mental illness, no more shame. When days get tough here on earth, remind me that this world, with all its troubles, commercialism, and stress is only temporary, and my true home is in heaven with you.

I don’t always show it, but I am proud to be your child. Help me to share my faith boldly with others, so they can enjoy forgiveness and the promise of heaven as well. Give me opportunities this Christmas to share the true meaning of the holiday with those around me, in the hopes that they too will come to know your love and forgiveness. Amen.

O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King and Peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still the dear Christ enters in.