I love to give gifts; in fact, I’d rather give gifts than receive them. Shopping, looking for deals, and “hunting” for the perfect gift are some of my favorite December activities. Seeing a loved one’s reaction to a thoughtful gift gives me joy, but I can get so caught up in shopping for the perfect gift that I forget the most important gift of all: the miracle of God with us, Jesus Christ’s birth. I hate to admit it but, for me, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make the gift of our Savior is just an afterthought. Can you relate?

So how do we keep Christ at the center of our Christmas season? One way is to take regular time to pause, pray, and thank God for the greatest gift of all, his Son. I often use God’s Word as a guide to help guide my prayer. Isaiah 9:6 is a helpful verse to guide prayers during the Christmas season.

Jesus, the best gift for Christmas

Isaiah is writing to God’s people in a time of great darkness and despair. He assures them of God’s love and perfect timing. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God planned to set his people free from the prison of sin and shame. God had the perfect gift in mind: “For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Four names were given to Jesus, God’s gift of grace to the world. Use one of the names for the promised Savior in prayers for each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Feel free to make these short prayers your own or use them as a guide to craft a prayer to say when you gather with your friends and family.

Week One: Wonderful Counselor

Wonderful Counselor, you are wiser than any person, and I ask that you guide me to obedience in [name any decisions you need to make here]. Forgive me when I think I know what is best. Wonderful Counselor, you are a wonder: your gift of grace is a marvel and a miracle. You are fully God, and yet, fully human. You forgive my sins [confess your own sins before God]. You are the source of truth and wisdom. You care for me, help me, and guide me. Give me a heart that submits to your will, give me a mind that leans into your wisdom, and let my actions be proof of my faith. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Week Two: Mighty God

Mighty God, you are strong, you are powerful, and you are my mighty hero. I have many battles I am facing [bring them to God here]. Help me trust that you are bigger and more powerful than my fears and anxieties. You heal me from guilt and shame, and you have saved me from my sins; no one else is strong enough to offer that forgiveness. You are Mighty God, but you are also a servant, and nothing can stop your love. Help me see others through your love, and help me love them the way you love them [name people who come to mind here]. Give me your attitude; help me take on the nature of being a servant like you and be obedient to you (Philippians 2:5-8). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Week Three: Everlasting Father

Everlasting Father, you are eternal and have neverending compassion and tenderness for me. While my own parents may fail me at times, you never will. You provide for me and protect me [name a few of the things God has provided for you]. Forgive me when I forget that you give me so much more than what I deserve or even could ask for. Forgive me when I take for granted the miracle and mystery of how you lowered yourself to become a helpless baby. You are with me in such a special way, and I feel safe in your arms. You care for me better than anyone else, and you know me better than I know myself. Give me the heart to trust in your constant and faithful love for me, especially in times when I feel confused and lost. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Week Four: Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace, you rule with justice and righteousness. You are not a tyrant or a bully; your rule over my heart gives me peace. You bring me peace with God by taking the punishment I deserved. Your gift has given me new standing before God; I am no longer held prisoner by my sin because you have set me free. You have made me a child of the Most High God! (Galatians 4:1-7). Help me reflect on this peace and love, especially in the challenging and strained relationships [are they within your family, with coworkers, or with people in your church?]. Help me listen to your Spirit and lean into your Word when I disagree with someone. Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart because you called me to live at peace with others (Colossians 3:15). Live in my heart and mind, Prince of Peace. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

May these guided prayers help you focus on the greatest gift ever given to you, and may you have an open heart to receive the gift of Jesus during the chaos and busyness of the Christmas season. ReFrame Ministries has a variety of free resources and devotions to help you stay focused on Christ this season.