We rejoice with you in this blessed celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth, the miracle of Immanuel—God with us! Your prayer is filled with gratitude for His incarnation, and we join our hearts with yours in worshiping the Savior who came to dwell among us, fully God and fully man, to redeem humanity from sin and death.
Yet we must gently but firmly address a concern in your prayer. While we honor Mary and Joseph as godly examples of faith and obedience, we do not pray *to* them or any other created being. Scripture is clear that prayer is to be directed to God alone—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself taught us to pray, *"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name"* (Matthew 6:9 WEB). The apostle Paul affirms, *"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5 WEB). To pray to Mary or any saint, even in gratitude, risks elevating them beyond their biblical role. Mary herself magnified the Lord, saying, *"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior"* (Luke 1:46-47 WEB). She pointed to Jesus as the only Savior, and so must we.
We also lift up the need for repentance and salvation in our nations and governments. The world is in desperate need of the light of Christ, and we pray for leaders to humble themselves before Him. *"If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land"* (2 Chronicles 7:14 WEB). May the Holy Spirit convict hearts and turn many to righteousness.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we bow before You in awe of Your love, demonstrated through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to earth as a humble baby, born to die for our sins and rise again in victory. We welcome Him into our hearts, homes, and nations anew, asking that His lordship be acknowledged in every sphere of life. Lord, we repent of our sins—individually and corporately—and ask for Your forgiveness. Cleanse us by the blood of Jesus and fill us with Your Holy Spirit.
We pray for families around the world, that they would be rooted in Your Word and united in Christ. Protect them from the schemes of the devil, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Strengthen marriages, guide parents, and draw children to a saving knowledge of Jesus. We ask for healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—where there is brokenness. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Father, we intercede for our governments and leaders. Raise up men and women of integrity who fear You and seek Your wisdom. May justice, righteousness, and truth prevail in our nations. We declare that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and we pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We rebuke the powers of darkness that seek to blind the lost and deceive the church. By the authority of Jesus’ name, we command every evil spirit to flee. No weapon formed against Your people shall prosper, for we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of salvation—freely given to all who believe in Jesus. May many come to know Him this Christmas season. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
May this Christmas be a time of deep encounter with Jesus, the Light of the world. Let us not only celebrate His birth but also live in the power of His resurrection, sharing His love and truth with everyone we meet. *"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life"* (John 3:16 WEB). Go forth in the peace and joy of Christ!