Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy.     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7). He is always working, sees us, hears every prayer, and knows each of us intimately. (Psalm 62:5-7), “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2), “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. The life, death, and resurrection of Christ forever changed the earthly and eternal lives of all who come to believe in Him. Uplift our hearts when we miss those whom we usually celebrate Christmas with, and long for traditions that are cancelled this year. We pray for a swift end to it. Remain with us as we continue to endure the coronavirus pandemic. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? Mental health world-wide is declining, as we were not meant to live life alone. Christians have the great privilege and responsibility of prayer. In uncertain times, our faith is not in a whimsical fairytale, but in the rock solid truth of a birth predicted by specific prophesy fulfilled on Christmas. Jesus is still the Way, the Truth and the Life. Christmas is filled with hopeful stories and people helping each other. In Dhaka, Christian devotees sought reprieve from the global Covid-19 pandemic during the special prayers held marking the day at a church.     to establish it and to uphold it Thank You for forgiveness, salvation, grace, mercy, hope, love, and life. He only is my rock and my salvation, What do we do when the literal rug of our schedules has been yanked out from under us? But what was it really like for the young couple who just welcomed the Savior of the world into their family? Christmas is a time of giving, singing joyfully, and extending gratitude for the blessings we’ve experienced. Please, Father God, for everyone who feels isolated and alone, come into their lives like a tidal wave and embrace them so they know unmistakably they are not alone. visitors to private home are limited to up to 10 people from three households. This website uses tools from selected third-party providers (Google and Facebook) to help us understand how people arrive at and use our website, and to measure and improve the effectiveness of some of our promotional activity. You love all of us equally. Glory to You for this day, and Your purpose for it. God of joy God of joy Remind me to rejoice Wrapped up in my Christmas But You did promise we would never be alone. He is not a far-off God, but close and empathetic to our struggle with what it is to be human. If embedded content is disabled it may affect your experience of this website. Born of the Father before all ages, the Lord, in His love for us, has become born into time. Help us to understand what she must have felt, physically and mentally, as she journeyed on a donkey nine months pregnant and gave birth where animals were kept. Stop the spread of COVID-19. Crush the lie of loneliness now. You are creative, compassionate and faithful.     and from the deadly pestilence.”, To receive more news, comment and resources like this, make sure you sign up to receive our weekly email updates at christianconcern.com/sign-up. KHARTOUM - Church leaders in Sudan are asking people to strictly follow government and World Health Organization guidelines this Christmas to avoid spreading the coronavirus… For those morning the loss of someone dear this Christmas – that the light of the Christmas message would provide comfort, hope and joy. You exceed what we deem possible, and Your power is made perfect in our human weakness. We wish you great joy in this season, and invite you to join us in prayer. Meg, freelance writer and blogger at Sunny&80, is the author of “Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,” and “Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,” She writes about everyday life within the love of Christ. We are not helpless in the face of catastrophes but have access to the God who reigns over all, through Jesus Christ our Mediator. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 6 Things Satan Wants More Than Anything Else, 10 Things You Can Expect in a Relationship with a Narcissist, A Prayer for True Love - Your Daily Prayer - May 19, 4 Reasons Why God Doesn't Always Answer Prayers for Healing, 10 Sins Jesus Condemns Most Harshly in Scripture. So as God’s people we must call out to him, interceding as the coronavirus pandemic continues and as governments and individuals hope to recover from the disruption.     there will be no end, with justice and with righteousness To be human is to experience pain and suffering. We experience an information overload, through news reports and social media.     and his name shall be called The peace we have in Him remains, in simple and complicated times. Father, Mary’s experience is proof of Your miraculous power. You are trustworthy, faithful and the Giver of the … Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. God is not surprised nor ill-prepared to protect, defend, provide, and sustain His children through it all. When we seek Him with all of our hearts, we will find Him. We do not directly control what technologies they use. We use these tools because they help us to run our website, provide you with content (including video and audio clips), understand how people use our website, make improvements to our services, and promote our work more effectively. You can find out more here. For Boris Johnson to be wise in leading the government and that he would follow the King of Kings. At Christmas, the family will light 12 candles and say a prayer for Stephen. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/lukbar. Those who have lost jobs or are facing the prospect of losing a job in the New Year – that they would know the Lord’s provision, and use the time to listen to his guidance. This is my prayer. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Antonio Guillem. Of the increase of his government and of peace Pray that they will continue to honour the independence of the church by leaving decisions over worship services in the hands of church leaders. Join our email list to receive the latest updates for prayer and action. What Does the Bible Say about Narcissists? All rights reserved. For the World Health Organisation and other international bodies to help governments worldwide fight the virus effectively by issuing wise advice and accurate analysis, For NHS management to find the most effective policies to provide high levels of care to those at threat from coronavirus and those with other illnesses, For the government and local authorities making decisions on lockdowns and tiered systems. Jesus, You came to seek and save the lost. Messiah, Immanuel. Those who are still packing shoe boxes with gifts for children, and organizing food drives for those who are hungry. The sickness of the pandemic is only part of the story. His brothers and sisters have already each taken one of his personal possessions - "gifts from him for Christmas… One True and Triune God. We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19), “There were some present at that very time who told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. Scripture abounds with story after story of God working miracles through dire straights and inconvenient circumstances. Hardly any of us will experience the ideal Christmas we’ve become accustomed to or hoped for this year. Father, You are all-knowing and everywhere. As we recall Mary’s experience leading up to and after Jesus’ birth, we are reminded of the way You work miracles in hard circumstances with regular people. Confusion abounds. The truly important things remain untouched by pandemic life. We give great thanks for the birth of the Lord, into our world, into our lives, in all the broken-ness and messiness that that implies. We look forward to the day Jesus returns to right all wrongs, and wipe every tear.     for my hope is from him. Through Christ, all things were made. These third-party platforms may store and use cookies (or similar technology) on your device, and may analyse your use of this site or the embedded content. In the meantime, He commands us not to worry. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Pray that they would be wise and make the best decisions for their communitie, For business leaders to put in place policies that help the country respond – by slowing the virus’ spread, by planning appropriately for the future and by being productive even in difficult economic times, For those doctors, nurses and other health professionals as they continue to be under pressure and strain as well as facing higher potential exposure to the virus – pray that they would be kept free from illness, For scientists and doctors to be successful in knowing how to treat people suffering from Covid-19 and for the continuing work on vaccines, For researchers investigating new strains – pray for insight, Pray that doctors dealing with end-of-life situations would be given grace and wisdom to deal with difficult situations ethically, That people would understand that science and government have their limits – no one but God is mighty to save, That people would be mindful of the effects of their actions on others: following medical advice carefully and being responsible when buying supplies, That time in isolation from others would drive non-Christians to pray, to listen to Christians and to come to know the living God, For all those whose work has been hit by the crisis – that they and their families would be given the financial, emotional and practical support they need, For all those facing abuse or violence at home, particularly with family members who drink heavily over Christmas and the New Year – that they would be kept safe and find the help they need, Those stuck in lockdown or isolating this Christmas, those who can’t be with family – that they would know the love of the Father this Christmas. When we want to give up hope, send us a spark of light to remind us we were never promised this life would be easy. Our lives have been interrupted and our calendars cancelled.     will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. For the cabinet and other politicians as they analyse and debate legislation. Amen. We would love you to join us – individually, with family members or with your church – as we dwell on God’s word and pray for his help. When the shepherds showed up, telling of the angel choir in the night sky and the star which led them to the Messiah, Scripture says, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). 25 Christmas Prayers and Blessings. Going to Church is a big part of the Christmas spirit. Short Prayer of Christmas Thanks Thank you, God for sending Your Son on one glorious night to be born a virgin, to live a perfect life, and to die on the cross for my sins. Our joy in Jesus has the power to pull us through pandemic, political unrest, disease, heartache, loss, and everything else this world will undoubtedly throw at us.     from this time forth and forevermore. Please join us at Christian Concern as we demonstrate our faith in God by calling on him for help during this difficult time. That God’s mighty hand would be shown through the slowing down and eradication of the virus. Jesus Christ, Light of the World, You understand what it is like to feel alone in the midst of great suffering. You see the pain we are enduring, Lord. But until then, we ask You to strengthen us. and the government shall be upon his shoulder, Of the increase of his government and of peace. ‘Christian Concern’ is a trading name of CCFON Ltd. CCFON Ltd is registered in England and Wales (Company Number 6628490). God, heal those suffering in isolation and quarantine. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. 4 Ways We Are Often Wrong about How Satan Works, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it. Though this year has been filled with challenges and cancelations, allow us to see the blessings You have littered our lives with regardless of the pandemic. Through it all, God’s love conquers all. Holy Jesus, by being born one of us, and lying humbly in a manger, you show how much God loves the world. Meg, a Cleveland native and lifelong Browns fan, lives by the shore of Lake Erie in Northern Ohio with her husband, two daughters, and golden doodle. In our own strength. For the scientists advising the UK government – that they would understand the virus and its mutations better and make correct recommendations on how best to protect the population. The Bible is full of faithful heroes who suffered gravely for the Lord. Constrained as we are on this COVID Christmas, festival feasting is bereft of the family and friends customarily surrounding our tables. Glory to You for this day, and Your purpose for it. For the Gift of Peace. Christmas reminds us of the wonder and awe of the scenery the night Christ was born. God, help them to be knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of … James admonished, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Fill our hearts and minds with theses truths as we navigate the pandemic this Christmas. After much prayer, thought and planning we regret to say the 2020 Christmas in Cotton Plant Celebration will not be open for 2020. Find out more about the legal support we're giving Christians. Victoria state in Australia reported no new coronavirus cases ahead of Christmas — a miracle of sorts for 2020. 4 Reflections for a Sacred Christmas in a Dark World, 4 Things a Romantic Relationship Can Never Give You. “For to us a child is born, The pandemic is long-suffering. How will Covid-19 impact Christmas 2020? We pray collectively, knowing You hear us, Father. His love, so great He gave His one and only Son to save us, is everlasting. Pray that they would scrutinise the government effectively and put country ahead of party. This is the day You have made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! We hold on to what’s true, and trust God is unchanged, unmoved, and ever at work.     to us a son is given; And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? If not for the chain of events Christ’s birth ignited, we would be bound to a hopeless consequence of sin—death. Meg earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay at home and raise her two daughters, which led her to pursue her passion to write. For example, we embed video clips from our YouTube channel, and audio clips from our SoundCloud channel. What Is Polygamy and Why Did God Allow It? You may be able to use your browser settings to block these tools but if you do, our website may not function as intended. However, this year, the Covid-19 pandemic does mean extra precautions will be in place for those wanting to visit Santa in the local mall such as a QR code for each Christmas grotto." This means that we and selected third-party services may store cookies and other similar information on your device, and may analyse your use of our website. Suffering is great. Copyright © 2021, iBelieve.com. Bless and heal our world of COVID-19, Father. Holy Spirit. November 25, 2020 Photo by Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash God Almighty, this has been a terrible year.     my fortress; I shall not be shaken. The state, however, has in place restrictions on … You are a purposeful God, and Your plans for us are good. He came to earth as a babe, comes to us presently as we believe in His name and embrace His gift of salvation, and He will come again to right all wrongs in the world. Help us put the hope of Jesus at the heart of society. declared the COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.