In the West, the Christmas season and traditions blend pre-Christian, Christian, and secular traditions. A fascinating aspect of Christmas is its etymology. The word itself is a shortened form of Christ’s Mass.

Christmas offers a chance to reflect spiritually on the important foundations of the Christian faith, but it’s also a celebration. The Christmas season celebrates the love of God for the world that's shown through the birth of Jesus Christ. Hundreds of years before Jesus’s birth, the event was prophesied in the Bible in the Old Testament, further cementing God’s elaborate plan for our salvation. 

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It’s the time of year when we celebrate Christ's birth. Through his death and resurrection, God sent His Son into the world as a baby. Christ's birth was a joyous event for the world. As this great event was occurring, shepherds, wise men, and angels were all filled with excitement.

They knew this baby was different. Humanity had been told of his coming hundreds of years ago. As the star appeared over Bethlehem, it led those who were searching for the special child.

Because of God’s plan for humanity, the true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." 

This incredible act of love is what makes Christmas so special.

Christmas can be a joyous time of year filled with healing and renewed strength. 

Before you start Christmas dinner prayers, you should consider reading a few verses from the Bible. It’s important to talk about the story of Christ’s birth and set the mood for prayers afterward.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).

‍“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

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“But the angel said to her, “Don't be afraid, Mary; you've found favor with God. You'll conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31).

“But the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You'll find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2: 10-14).

How can you make sure you have time to wind down when the holiday season gets busier each year? A Christmas celebration isn't just about finding the perfect gift or having the best settings on your Christmas table. 

When the holidays ramp up into overdrive, a simple prayer can be the perfect way to reset. Here are some helpful Christmas dinner prayers you can share with the whole family.

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Christmas dinner blessings

Dear Lord of All, we give you thanks for Your abundance and for all the great things you have given us, especially the birth of Your Son on this day. We ask Your blessing upon this food and upon our friends and family. Our prayer is that You will show kindness to all those in need today in your great mercy. And may You watch over us in the coming New Year. We pray in Jesus's name, Amen.

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Short Christmas dinner prayers

Dear God, we give You thanks for sending Your Son on one glorious night, so he could be born to a virgin, live a perfect life, and die on a cross for my sins. Throughout this Christmas and every Christmas to come, we will be able to celebrate the gift of eternal life given by Jesus Christ. Today, we come together to celebrate what You have given to us. Let today's meal be a time of blessing, in which we turn our hearts toward You. We praise You, Lord, Amen.

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Traditional Christmas dinner prayers

• Bless us, O Lord,

And these Thy Gifts

Which we are about to receive,

Through thy bounty

Through Christ, our Lord, we pray,

Amen.

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• Lord, make us truly thankful for these and all other blessings. I ask this in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

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• Give us grateful hearts, O Father, for thy mercies, and make us mindful of the needs of others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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Christmas dinner prayers about family

Our prayers and thanks are given up to You, Heavenly Father. First, we thank You for the day. For our family and our friends. Gifts of grace that heaven lends. Living water, daily bread. Countless blessings our dear God sends. Thank you, Jesus, for them all. For the great ones and the small. When we're happy, when we're sad. On the good days and the bad. We are grateful, we are glad for you being the Prince of Peace. Amen.

We can truly be happy on Christmas day knowing that we've given thanks to Jesus Christ.  

Look at Christmas in a new way this year, with gratitude and love. Jesus is calling you and your loved ones to invite him into your heart this year. When you honor Christ, you'll have a Merry Christmas. The joy and peace you'll receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.

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For more about Christmas, download the Pray.com app in the iOS App Store or Google Play.