As I browsed the Christmas decorations at my favorite department store, I couldn’t help but chuckle when my eyes landed on a kitchen towel that read, “ All Mama wants is a silent night!” Wouldn’t it be something, a calm Christmas devoid of conflict, drama, and family tensions? Christmas, for many, is a time of merriment, reconnecting with old friends and family, and reconciliation. For others, the holidays bring intense grief, remorse, or stress. Family is hard. There is no way around it; people and relationships are messy. Yet, God calls us to gather and love the families we are born into, married into, and entered into through salvation.
Besides the usual tensions, I am fortunate that my family dynamics and holiday experiences are relatively peaceful. But, I readily admit that it doesn’t take much to take away my holiday cheer, and that’s something I am asking the Lord to help me with this holiday season. If you are in a similar situation, might I encourage you to meditate on these verses and offer these prayers as you navigate the holidays with friends and family?
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so you may know how to answer everyone.” - Colossians 4:6 NIV
Heavenly Father, please guide my conversations this holiday season. May they always be encouraging and uplifting, devoid of gossip and godless chatter. Please give me wisdom and the right words for each situation. Help me when I am tempted to engage in gossip or slander. Instead, help me to replace negative thoughts about others with positive encouragement and affirmations. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” - Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Heavenly Father, help me only to speak kind words to build up others and not tear them down. When I want the last word, set a lock on my mouth so I will not sin against you. Grant me humility, as I think more highly of others than myself. By not engaging in quarrelsome chatter, may I be a light for others, pointing them toward peace and reconciliation. Lord, I ask that you create a clean heart filled with the fruits of the spirit, the words of my mouth pleasing you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity." - Proverbs 21:23 NIV
Lord, I ask that you guard my mouth and protect me from saying things that could cause lasting damage to my relationships. I pray that you help me take every thought captive, asking if what I am about to tell is kind, pure, and true. Lord, I know that often, in the heat of the moment, hurtful words are spoken; when this happens, let me forgive quickly. When I was the one to offend, let me move swiftly towards reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” - Proverbs 17:27
Most gracious God, help me to see the good in people. Let me assume the best and not the worst. Let me not be easily offended, may I not take things too seriously, and seek to keep the peace the best I can. I pray that my emotions remain calm under pressure and that when I feel stressed or anxious, I pause and think before saying or doing anything. Lord, I thank you for the gift of discernment, and I ask you to give this freely to me this holiday season, understanding when to speak up and let things go. In Jesus’s name, amen.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” - Romans 12:8
Abba, Father, let me pay close attention to the words of Romans 12:8, focusing on my responsibility to keep the peace. There will be times when things are out of my control, but you ask that I, as far as I can, do my part in keeping the peace. Let me be careful in my words and deeds. Sometimes, a decision or plan may not be my preference, but it helps me as I try to set aside my desires for the best of the group. I ask, Lord, that you give me a spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control, not just during the holidays but all year round. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15
Lord, I ask that I remember to read, study, and meditate on Your Word this holiday season. Amidst the hustle and bustle, typically, the first thing to go is my quiet time, yet it is the most important thing I can do this season. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus. We are undeserving but grateful to receive Christ as Savior of the World. We love you, Lord, and pray that we keep you at the center of Christmas. When we stray from your Word, bring us back to you. May I confess regularly and seek forgiveness quickly. Please let the peace of Christ rule in my heart; let the joy of Jesus shine brightly in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” - Isaiah 26:3
Heavenly Father, keep my mind on You during Christmas and every day. No matter the season, situation, or circumstance, I can trust You. This is not my home; I am just passing through; help me remember everything is temporary; only You are eternal. I ask, Lord, that you provide opportunities for me to share the gospel this holiday season; let me shout that “Jesus is the reason for the season!” in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com