Most churches will have more guests during a Christmas Eve service than in any other service throughout the year.
What will you say to God with all these new people listening?
As pastors, we have the unique opportunity in a Christmas Eve service to lead our congregations—and numerous guests from the community—in prayer.
These five prayers can serve as guides, helping to set a joyful tone and celebratory atmosphere for the birth of Jesus.
Prayer 1: Open with a prayer of anticipation for the Savior’s birth. Build a sense of expectation and readiness. This prayer should invite everyone to encounter the wonder of Christmas. Jesus, the Messiah, has arrived.
Begin your prayer, “Christmas is more than a holiday tradition. It is a time to worship with anticipation. God sent the Baby Jesus to remedy all wrongs. We celebrate His first coming, and we anticipate His second coming.”
Prayer 2: Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus. Focus on gratitude as you pray. This prayer helps shift the congregation’s focus from material gifts to the ultimate gift: Jesus. Expressing gratitude encourages the church to remember that Christmas is about receiving God’s love and showing it to others.
Begin your prayer, “Only one gift ultimately matters. Grace is unmerited favor from an unobligated Giver. We worship God’s lavish gift to humanity, the Christ-child who has come to save people from their sins and give life to all who receive His grace.”
Prayer 3: Ask the congregation to join you in a prayer for peace. Reflect on Jesus as the Prince of Peace. Have two or three short moments of silence during your prayer where people can pray with you. This prayer invites the congregation to leave behind the world’s worries and focus on the peace that only Christ brings. As you pray, mention those who may be carrying burdens or stresses during the holiday season and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort them.
Begin your prayer, “Prince of Peace, hope originates with You. As we remember Your humble entrance into our world tonight, we ask that Your peace dwells within us, around us, and through us. Help us to be peacemakers, to bring light into the darkness, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”
Prayer 4: Emphasize God’s love in a prayer for unity. A Christmas Eve service is the perfect time to emphasize how Jesus calls us to be active agents of good in this world. This prayer reminds everyone that we are not just a gathering of individuals but a family brought together and unified by Christ’s love.
Begin your prayer, “Father, believers are united today by the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to love each other as You have loved us. Make this love overflow to our neighbors and anyone. You place in front of us. Fill this gathering with the warmth of fellowship and a deep sense of belonging to Your family. May the love born in a manger continue to grow in each of us, drawing us closer to You.”
Prayer 5: Conclude with a prayer pointing to God’s presence. Contentment is found when you seek and delight in God’s presence. Close your Christmas Eve service by pointing to God’s renewal. While we do not know the future, we can trust God’s presence with us every day of the new year.
Begin your prayer, “Lord, as we celebrate Your birth, we look forward with hope to the year ahead. We don’t know what it will bring, but we trust that You will be with us each step of the way. May the joy and wonder of Christmas stick with us beyond this night, reminding us that You are Emmanuel, God with us. Help us to walk in faith, to serve with love, and to live in hope.”
Those who are detached from the church will often return for sentimental reasons on Christmas Eve. Family members who never go to church will capitulate and attend. For most churches, approximately one-third to half of attendees will be guests at a Christmas Eve service. Make sure you pray powerfully and remind everyone of the true meaning of Christ’s birth.
Posted on December 23, 2024
As President of Church Answers, Sam Rainer wears many hats. From podcast co-host to full-time Pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church, Sam’s heart for ministry and revitalization are evident in all he does.
More from Sam
4 Comments
Your prayers are so powerful. The church I attend does not have Christmas Eve services. I have always thought this service is extremely important to the community that we live in. Thanks for your focus on this.
Church answers is very important to me. I love your work and the help you offer to churches, big, medium, small.
God please continue to bless Church Answers!
Thank you so much, Larry!
Thank you for these points. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!