My first post full of prayers. This is the FIRST time in my life that I’ve been so prayerful about Christmas. Christmas was most of the time, the season of partying, having fun, drinking, eating…pretty much what youngsters do lar. I guess age must be catching up with me and I’m losing it!! *What a scary thought that I am getting old!!* But seriously speaking, Christmas has some how mellowed me down so much that I am hardly affected by the commercial aspect of it all. Yes, it’s nice to note the decor and the atmosphere in the shopping complexes but maybe it’s all just too much for me. I’ve been feeling this way about Christmas for the past few years now and the older I get, I seem to have lost that excitement - not to sure why though. Maybe I seriously am not paying enough attention to it. *Shrugs* O well….in any case, do enjoy the prayers.

Christmas Eve Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit…
Today is a day for celebrating gifts,
and we celebrate it with gifts.
But, Lord, help us to remember
that no gift we receive this season
can ever be as important
as those gifts we already possess.
We thank You for the gift of health,
and we remember and pray for those who are sick.
We thank You for the gifts of home and work,
and we remember and pray for those who are homeless or unemployed.
We thank You for the gift of plentiful food,
here today and every day,
and we remember and pray for those who are hungry.
We thank You for the gift of family,
those here with us today and those who are away,
and for the love of good friends.
We remember and pray for those who are alone.
We thank You for the gifts of Your constant guidance and numerous blessings,
and we remember and pray for those who do not know You.
Most importantly, Lord, we thank You
for the gift of Your Son,
whom You sent to us on this night so long ago.
Help us to remember
that it is for this reason alone
we gather here to celebrate.
Amen.

Did you know that even Santa has his OWN prayers?

Santa’s Prayer

On Christmas Eve I heard a sound
I’d never heard before.
A voice was softly speaking
And I wanted to hear more.
So very quietly I arose
From the bed where I was laying.
I tiptoed to the living room
Where I heard Santa praying.
“Dear Jesus, It’s your birthday
And I just want to say,
Thanks for letting me be a part
Of your very special day.”
“I always have believed in you
I know that you are real.
But there are some who don’t believe
And how sad that makes me feel.”
“Some houses have no Bible
They have no manger scene.
Some people speak of Christmas
But forget what it really means.”
“I pray someday they all will know
What Your love’s worth, and then
I know that they will understand
The importance of your birth.
Amen!”
I always knew Santa brought toys
Like my truck and my sister’s doll
But on this night I understood
Why Santa is the jolliest of all.
It is because he helps to spread
Good will and Christmas cheer.
And he helps Jesus celebrate
His birthday every year.
Then I quietly returned to my room
And snuggled back in my bed.
Knowing I’d always remember
The words that Santa had said.
In the morning I remembered
what I had heard and seen.
But I wasn’t sure if it was real
Or just a wonderful dream?
~Author unknown

And just before he steps leaves to carry out his duty and send presents to all the nice little girls and boys out there, he says another prayer too :

Santa’s Christmas Prayer
By Warren D. Jennings

The sleigh was packed,
the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
by the side of the bed.
“Dear Father,” he prayed
“Be with me tonight.
There’s much work to do
and my schedule is tight.
I must jump in my sleigh
and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
that a reindeer can’t fly.
I will visit each household
before the first light,
I’ll cover the world
and all in one night.
With sleighbells a-ringing,
I’ll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
of each little hoof.
To get in the house
is the difficult part,
So I’ll slide down the chimney
of each little heart.
My sack will hold toys
to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless
like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings
and not leave a track.
I’ll eat every cookie
that’s left for my snack.
I can do all these things Lord,
only through You,
I just need your blessing,
then it’s easy to do.
All this is to honor
the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us,
Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends,
lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them,
who gave me this job.”

Anyway, here’s wishing you a VERY blessed Christmas.

I’ll wait till 30/12/2005 to wish you a happy new year.