Christmas reminds us of God’s goodness to all of creation. Christmas is our joy-filled remembrance of the birth of our Redeemer. And so, it is fitting to observe this day in celebration and fellowship.
Christmas reminds us of the joyful season of Christ’s humble birth. Of course, Christmas also means gathering together and partaking in festive meals. Celebrations like Christmas almost always include eating and drinking because what better way to celebrate than to enjoy a delicious homecooked meal with all our loved ones?
As we celebrate Christmas with our families and loved ones, and as we gather around the table to share a family dinner, whether it be a lavish or a simple meal, let us not forget to give thanks to the Lord, the true reason for this joyous season. Use this prayer before meals for Christmas party at home, school, or in our workplaces. There is no better way to start a meal than by thanking God’s generosity and goodness.
Christmas prayer before meals
Lord God of all seasons, You are the source of all that is good and joyful. You provide everything that we need and more. We praise and glorify Your marvelous deeds throughout the ages. For Your infinite and endless goodness, we thank You.
Most generous Father, You sent Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to show us humility, peace, and love. In and through Him, we have seen You and Your goodness. By His birth, the whole of creation sings the song of Your glory. Through His coming, the dawn of hope has come upon us. His humble birth has brought us incomparable joy and hope.
O Lord, it is the Christmas season again. We once again gather together to honor the coming of our Savior and Lord as the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes. Here before us are food and drink You have generously provided for us. May we be reminded of Your guidance and providence through this meal.
Father, bless the people who have worked hard to produce the meal set before us now. Bless our farmers who have tilled the land and produced the crops we will enjoy today. Bless the people who have cooked and prepared this meal. May they continue to be blessings for other people.
Lord God, as we are about to enjoy this Christmas meal, we also remember Your sons and daughters who have nothing to eat today. Remember them, Lord and feed them. Inspire us to help them meet their needs. Make us instruments of bringing the spirit of Christmas to our brethren in desperate need. In Your tremendous mercy, Lord, we humbly ask that You provide kindness to everyone who is in need on this day.
Bless each one of us as we gather here today to partake in this meal. More than the nourishment that this meal brings to us, may we nourish each other through communion, friendship, and love. May each one of us be a reminder of Your love and care.
May this meal we have prepared, o God, nourish our bodies as we commemorate our Redeemer’s birth and as we continue doing Your will. May the fellowship we share be a constant reminder that You are with us now and always.
Through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Short Christmas dinner prayer
O Lord, our most generous and loving God, You have given us Your Son to be our Savior and Lord. His humble birth is the true reason for Christmas. As we gather to partake in this meal, fill our hearts with love and joy. Bring health and blessings to all gathered around this table. May we be nourished by this meal before us. May we continue proclaiming Christ all the days of our life. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 NRSVUE
Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.
Proverbs 22:9 NRSVUE
Prayer to Saint Nicholas before Christmas meal
Beloved Saint Nicholas, you are known for your reputation for generosity and kindness. You have brought joy to children by giving them gifts during Christmas. By this selfless deed, you became one of the most famous characters of the Christmas season – Santa Claus. Thank you for your example of generosity, humility, and service.
Saint Nicholas, we celebrate in joy and gratitude the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we are gathered before this meal. Please pray for those who have generously shared their time and resources for this food and drink. Pray for those who have prepared this bountiful dinner. May the meal we share nourish our bodies. May the fellowship we have sustain each one of us.
Saint Nicholas, you are also known as the bishop who provided for the poor and sick. As we celebrate in joy this Christmas season, may we not forget our brothers and sisters who are in dire need. Pray for us that, like you, may we also bring them comfort and help. May we become a little experience of Christmas to them.
Dear Saint Nicholas, as little children, we would always look forward to Christmas and the joy it brings to all. May this joy be felt by everyone every single day. Pray for us to God that we may transform each day into a small Christmas day – a day of gratitude, love, and joy.
Saint Nicholas, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
Christmas is always a very special time of year for most. It is the perfect time for us to remember and thank the goodness of God. It is always considered the season of joy, sharing, and gratitude.
As with any other celebration, we always look forward to the food. Christmas meals bring us a quite different ambiance. Sometimes, we wonder if Christmas brings our food and drinks an additional flavor!
The meal we share on Christmas is a concrete manifestation of the joy that this season brings. No matter how simple or grand our Christmas dinner is, what is more important is we are gathered in love and joy. As we enjoy the festive food, may our hearts be filled with thanksgiving and joy. As we exchange stories at the table, may we feel the warmth of love and care of our loved ones. Most of all, may we who gather for this Christmas feast be reminded of the Child who has brought the world so much joy. Happy Christmas!
