Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year.  There is shopping, gift giving, Christmas cards, cookies and manger scenes!  But let’s be real, Christmas is a busy time of year, where there is a lot to get done in a short amount of time. Christmas can put a strain on us physically, emotionally and financially taking away our focus of what we are really celebrating.

Most people know the Christmas story is the day baby Jesus was born in a barn, laying in a manger, surrounded by shepherds, barn animals and angels.

But did you know that prayer is also apart of the Christmas Story? Over 2,000 years ago, a very important prayer was answered that changed the course of our lives forever.  King Herod (an appointed Roman ruler), was the king of Jerusalem, during the time baby Jesus was born.  He was a very ruthless and mean man.  He murdered his wife, three sons, his mother-in-law, uncle and many others.  The Jews were praying for a new king, a new Messiah, that would save them from the evil hands of Herod and restore the nation of Israel (Matthew 2:6).

After Jesus was born, the Magi came to Jerusalem asking, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:1-2).  King Herod was not happy to hear there was another king, and made a plan to have all Jewish babies killed in an attempt to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:1 footnote).

In the end, Herod’s evil plan failed and never had a chance against God’s almighty plan.

The prayer the Jews prayed over 2,000 years ago asking God for a new king and Messiah, continues to affect generations to come eternally and forevermore.

God heard their prayers—saved them from Herod’s evil ways and brought them a new king.

If God can answer a prayer from 2,000 years ago that affects future generations—Imagine what our prayers can do?  

The Christmas story doesn’t end with baby Jesus laying in a manger—it continues on through us.  Including prayer in our Christmas story allows the legacy of Jesus to be carried on for generations to come through our prayers.

What if everyone this Christmas asked one person, “How can I pray for you?”  Imagine how different our world would look if we were all praying for one another?

“It is more blessed to give than receive.”  Acts 20:35

Satan will always try to get in the way of God’s plans.  Our prayers make a difference and limit Satan’s abilities to interfere.  We never know what one prayer can do, it might just change the path of our future or others.

Have you included Prayer in your Christmas Story?

What are you Praying for this Christmas?

Give and receive one of the best gifts ever this Christmas by asking one person, “How can I pray for you?”  Praying for others opens the door for God’s divine appointments and opportunities.  Enjoy your families and have a very Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Prayer For You-

Dear God-  Thank you for your amazing gift of Jesus this Christmas.  Thank you for hearing our  prayers and sending us Savior, a Messiah one that will redeem our world.  You are so merciful and gracious.  Thank you for sparing us and delivering us from the hands of the evil one.  Help us to be devoted in praying for others so your glorious plans may unfold through us. May everyone experience your light and know you have sent us a Savior.  May everyone know and witness your love and receive the greatest gift of all this Christmas, eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen