Christmas brings a different kind of joy, excitement, and happiness to all of us. Christmas carols and songs play everywhere. People are rushing to buy gifts. Families are thinking of their Christmas dinner. The thrill of Christmas embraces our hearts and lightens the community.
If there are particular people who are most excited about Christmas, they are none other than every single child. They look forward to that Christmas morning when they eagerly unwrap their gifts. They excitedly celebrate Christmas in the presence of their families.
Advent is the season of waiting and preparing for the birth of Christ our Lord. It is fitting for us to teach our children the importance of this season as a prelude to the most awaited Christmas day. As we observe the Advent season, let us lead our children to a profound sense of prayer and waiting through this kids’ advent prayer.
Advent prayer for children
O Lord, Christmas is about to arrive. We are very excited about this special day. We eagerly decorate our house with Christmas ornaments. Mom and Dad are so busy buying what is on their list. Presents are carefully wrapped in colorful papers. The Christmas tree is put up and covered with lights and ribbons. What a joy we feel in this season!
We get to be surrounded by the people who love us. We receive gifts and treats. We eat heartily together for Christmas dinner. We sing Christmas carols – most of the time, we just hum with the tune as we cannot remember the full words of the songs. Christmas is just a very special day we look forward to.
Lord, as we prepare for Christmas during this season of Advent, teach and remind us that Christmas is not just about these external and material things. Teach us that Christmas is more than just a day of eating, opening gifts, singing, and gathering as a family. May we see it as a day of thanksgiving for Your boundless love for the world.
Father, as we await Christmas, help us to be patient in all that we do. Teach us that there is grace in waiting. As we grow old, may we imitate the Child Jesus in obedience and love. Help us to understand and to remember what You have done for us all.
Lord, draw us close to You. We are Your children, and we are confident that children have a very special place in Your loving heart. Nurture in us the same love You have for all. May we grow in love with You and our neighbors.
Loving God remind us that Christmas is about Your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. You sent Your Son, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin. May we keep in mind that this season is a manifestation of Your love for all of us. You sent Your Son to save us. Your Son became like us – a child. We are confident that we have a very special place in Your heart. May we imitate the Child Jesus in humility and obedience.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Short advent prayers for kids
Loving God, as we await Christmas day by celebrating Advent, help us to become patient in waiting. Please teach us to realize that Jesus is the most precious gift You have ever given to the world. May we imitate Him as a child, and may we grow in wisdom and grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NRSVUE
Children’s Prayer to Saint Nicolas of Myra
Dear Saint Nicolas of Myra, you are known as the patron saint of children. Your reputation as a selfless bishop gained you a place in God’s paradise. You were known for your generosity and love, especially for children like us. You were the origin of every child’s joyful character at Christmas – Santa Claus – who brings joy and excitement to us each year.
Saint Nicolas, as we eagerly await Christmas, please pray for us and for all children in the world. We are excited about all the things about Christmas. But please remind us of why we celebrate Christmas. Pray for us that we may not be allured by the material gifts that we receive. Rather, may we always remember the greatest gift that God has given to us – our Lord Jesus Christ.
Saint Nicolas, we pray that all children in the world grow in love and faith in God. May we imitate your example of holiness, generosity, and selfless giving. Help us to realize how blessed and fortunate we are. May we always appreciate the things that we have, and may we be generous to share them with others.
We know that the joyful day of Christmas is approaching. But may we not be overwhelmed by too much excitement for gifts, food, or gatherings. Teach us that there is grace in waiting, most especially our waiting for Christmas during this season of Advent.
May we bring Christmas to our neighbors, most especially kids like us. Whatever we are given, may we be grateful and humble before God, who has blessed us in so many ways. Whatever we have, may we have the heart to share them with those who are in desperate need.
Beloved Saint Nicholas, pray for us children of God always. With the Blessed Mother, intercede for us that we may grow in the knowledge of God. May we always desire to be good children to our parents, good siblings to our brothers and sisters, and become holy children of God.
Saint Nicholas of Myra, patron of children, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
Christmas is for children, as the saying goes. But we are all children of God! Children are probably the most excited ones for Christmas. Young as they are, we have the responsibility to bring them closer to God and to remind them what Christmas is truly about.
We were once children like them. We also know the feeling of waiting for Christmas. As such, may we teach children the value and meaning of patience and waiting. May we teach them that Jesus is the real reason for the season.
Let us pray for children. As they wait for Christmas, may they continue to grow in faith, hope, and love. May we bring them closer to Jesus this Advent season.
