Christmas Dinner Prayer — sacred illustration
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Christmas

Christmas Dinner Prayer

Matthew 1:23

Matthew 1:23 is where Matthew’s Gospel, telling how Jesus was born, quotes the prophet Isaiah: the virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means God with us.

Lord, You are Immanuel, God with us, and You are with us at this table. Thank You for Jesus, born for us. Thank You for this food, for everyone who cooked it, and for each person here. Bless those we miss today and those who have no table. Fill our meal with Your joy and our hearts with Your peace. Amen.

Matthew 1:23 is where Matthew’s Gospel, telling how Jesus was born, quotes the prophet Isaiah: the virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means God with us.

The Scripture

““Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).”

— Matthew 1:23

Prayer points from Matthew 1:23

  1. Thank God that He is Immanuel, God with us, even at this table.
  2. Thank Him for the food and for everyone who cooked it.
  3. Thank Him for each person at the table, and for any guests.
  4. Remember those who are missing this Christmas.
  5. Pray for those who have no warm meal or no one to share it with.
  6. Ask Him to fill the meal with joy and peace.

About this verse

Matthew tells the Christmas story from Joseph’s side. When Joseph learned that Mary was expecting a child, he resolved to end their engagement quietly, until an angel told him in a dream not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. The baby was to be named Jesus, “because He will save His people from their sins.” Then Matthew adds that all this fulfilled the prophet’s words: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, God with us). God with us is the whole of Christmas in three words, and Christmas dinner is a good place to say it: God is not far from the table, the laughter, or the empty chair. This prayer is a short grace for Christmas dinner, easy to read aloud with family and guests, children included.

When to pray this prayer

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