Preparing for Christmas isn't just about decorations, presents or festive meals. The real preparation begins in our hearts, opening ourselves to the joy, peace and light that the coming of Christ brings. This prayer invites you to a moment of reflection and recollection to fully embrace the spiritual meaning of Christmas.
Prepare our hearts for the arrival of Christmas
Almighty and merciful Lord,
As Christmas approaches,
We come to you to prepare our hearts to receive your Son.
Help us to make this Advent season a time of reflection,
of renewed love and sincere forgiveness.
Lord, teach us to slow down in our hectic lives,
The better to hear your voice whispering in the silence.
Help us to see beyond the outward preparations,
To focus our hearts on what is essential:
Your light that comes to illuminate the world.
We ask your forgiveness, Lord,
For the times when we have let our fears,
Our doubts and judgments draw us away from you.
Make our hearts pure and our souls ready,
So that we may celebrate Christmas with true joy.
O Holy Spirit, come and dwell within us,
And guide us on our spiritual journey.
Inspire our thoughts, purify our intentions,
And make our actions reflections of your love.
Help us to welcome the Christ child,
With the simplicity and humility of shepherds.
Lord, in these days of preparation,
Help us to sow peace where conflict reigns,
To reach out to those in need,
And to bring joy to those who lack it.
Make our hearts living nativity scenes,
Ready to receive the light of Christmas.
We also pray for our families,
That they may live this time in unity and love.
Help us to pass on to future generations
The true meaning of this feast:
A message of hope, reconciliation and faith in you.
Finally, Lord, we thank you
For the wonderful gift of Christmas:
The coming of your only Son,
Who shows us the way to eternal love.
Prepare our hearts, Lord,
And make this feast a time of spiritual renewal,
Where we fully welcome your peace and light.
Amen.
Preparing for Christmas in our hearts is an act of love and faith, a way of refocusing our attention on what is truly important. May this prayer accompany you through your Advent days, and help you to welcome the joy and serenity that Christmas brings. May your hearts be filled with light and peace.