When it comes down to it, successfully planning and hosting a big Christmas dinner (or even a small one) isn’t nearly as important as remembering to give thanks for it. A Christmas dinner prayer can truly be a significant moment of peace and stillness.
Christmas Dinner Prayers
The five Christmas dinner prayers below come from various sources and each has its own style. There is also one for children to say.
For Thy bounty on this table,
For the family at our side,
For the friends who are so dear,
For Thy love which doth abide–
At Christmastime we give our thanks
for Thy mercy, grace, and peace,
and for the Child Who made the way
to joy that will not cease.
~Traditional
Our gracious Heavenly Father, may we as a family that represents You honor this blessed day of Christmas in our hearts. But even more, may we try to keep it all the year: the good feelings, the warm fuzzies, the willingness to overlook a fault, the eagerness to give a special gift, the stillness spent in reflection and revelation of what this season really means. May we live in the Past, remembering Your compassionate forgiveness and offering the same to others. May we dwell in the Present, and rejoice in each moment, acknowledging Your presence within us. May we abide in the Future, resting in a faithfulness that has no fear of what is to come because we know that You will never leave us nor forsake us. May Your Holy Spirit live boldly within us, and may we not shut out the lessons that He teaches us throughout every moment of our lives. ~Adapted from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
~The Doxology, Thomas Ken
Christmas Dinner Grace for Children
I like this sweet little poem for the little ones, a Christmas dinner grace for children to learn.
Jesus Christ was born this day,
A Baby in a manger lay.
Angels did announce His birth,
sweetly singing “Peace on Earth.”
Shepherds came around to see
the very special family.
Wise men brought rich gifts of three,
I will bring a gift of me.
~Traditional
A Christmas Dinner Prayer from Scripture
Why not use the words of Mary, who sang this song of praise to God upon hearing the news that she would give birth to the Lord? This is a Christmas dinner prayer from Scripture that is perfect for reflecting on the miracle we celebrate.
On this Christmas Day, how our souls glorify the Lord,
and our spirits rejoice in God the Savior,
for He has been mindful
of our humble state,
of our inability to save ourselves.
We thank you, O God, for the blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Mighty One has done great things for our family—
holy is His name.
His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with His arm,
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.
~Adapted from Mary’s Song, Luke 1:46-55
Who says the blessing at your Christmas dinner? Do you take turns or is it usually the same person each year?
