Lord, Christmas brings us together. Many of us are coming home or heading out to celebrate with family and friends. We need you, Lord, as we seek to connect and find meaning in these days.

Keep a protective hand over those of us who travel during this season. Hold us all and keep us safe no matter what kind of weather, traffic, or delays we face. Allow our little ones to remain healthy and peaceful despite the disruption to their routines. Keep stress and busyness from wearing us down. Sustain our strength so we can make the most of all the plans we look forward to.

Prepare our hearts to share a warm welcome and cheerful hospitality. Show us how and where to give a helping hand, offering our full attention and servant hearts wherever we go. Prompt us to give generously out of all you’ve given to us. Make us sensitive to any who feel lonely, left out, or discouraged. Let us shine your light of love and kindness to everyone we meet.

You know the ways we feel hurt, frustrated, or let down by others. And you know the ways we’ve failed to listen and care like we should. Repair our broken relationships, Lord. Just as you reconciled us to our Father in heaven, show us how to make peace with those you’ve placed in our lives. Fill us with humility and grace so we’re able to say I’m sorry and I forgive you. Do a beautiful work among our family and friends so we can make a fresh start in the new year.

Keep our eyes on you—we want to worship and praise you for the gift of Jesus. We’re easily distracted, feeling pressure to wrap up details and check off every item on our list. Teach us to slow down and put you first. Draw us close to you in prayer and give us ears to hear your voice. Fill us with your Spirit so we can give and love like Jesus.

Every day–and this Christmas day–is a gift from you. Thank you for this season to celebrate the joys of family, traditions, and hope in Christ. We long to share this time with you, enjoying your presence and your countless gifts to each of us. We pray our family would come away from Christmas closer to each other and to you. Thank you for every good thing you have in store.

We love you, Lord! Amen.

Come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come to him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for he is our God.

We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.

(Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7)