Christmas Eve—the night before Christmas—may include happy laughter or quiet reflection, but above all, it is the perfect time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth. We make other preparations for the holidays, like shopping lists, food plans, and travel arrangements, but we also need to prepare our hearts as we reflect on the true reason for the season.
No matter how you spend Christmas Eve, here are some personal prayers that can help you prepare your heart for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
A Christmas Eve Prayer to Prepare Your Heart
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 know that You are saturating our senses and filling our hearts with 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 to 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 to celebrate 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.
A Christmas Eve Prayer to Say with Your Children
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 genuinely 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 was 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 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 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.
A Christmas Eve Prayer for Those Grieving
Lord, not everyone feels joyful at this season. So many have lost loved ones during the year, and the winter cold blows its bitter winds into lonely hearts in many places. 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 grieving, Lord, that You are the great Comforter and Counselor and that You never leave 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 world’s Savior cushion their grief this Christmas Eve night. On this night of miracles, speak peace to those who need it most. In Jesus’ name, Amen.