A Christmas Eve Prayer

Lord, the house has finally gone quiet. The lights are low, the candles are lit, and there is one more sleep between us and Christmas.

This is the hush we wait all year for. Long ago in Bethlehem, the world went about its business — the inn was full, the streets were loud — and almost nobody knew what was about to happen in the dark. A Saviour. A stable. A star.

Tonight we want to be the ones who know. Like the shepherds on the hillside, let us hear the good tidings of great joy all over again, as if for the first time.

Bless everyone under this roof as they sleep, the little ones too excited to close their eyes, and everyone we love who is far away tonight. Be near to those for whom this night is hard.

Come, Lord Jesus. We have kept a candle burning, and there is room for You here.

In Your holy name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this on Christmas Eve after the wrapping is done and the children are in bed — or read it aloud together by candlelight before they go up. It also fits the quiet drive home from a Christmas Eve service.

A Verse to Hold On To

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." — Luke 2:11 (KJV)