The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continues through Christmas Day. Some churches and some Christian households mark each Sunday with Advent prayers and by lighting candles that represent the blessings that come to us by way of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.
The first Sunday traditionally celebrates hope; the second, peace; the third, joy; and the fourth, love. Typically, the center candle of an Advent wreath or display is white, and is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, signifying the gift of Jesus Himself, the Light of the World.
Whether or not your church or family lights Advent candles, you can beautify these coming weeks with your prayers for hope, peace, joy, and love. Here are some suggestions, drawn from an assortment of Bible verses, as well as a prayer for Christmas Day by Henry Van Dyke, author of The Other Wise Man.
READ MORE: Advent Candles and Holders Perfect for the Advent Season
1) A Prayer for Hope
God of hope, thank You that in Your great mercy You have given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. That we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand—in the hope of the glory of God…to such a degree that we can even glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not put us to shame, because Your love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Remind us often that everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Grant that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and that we, who put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. Amen (1 Peter 1:3-4; Romans 5:2-5, 15:4, 15:13; Ephesians 1:12).
2) A Prayer for Peace
God of Heaven, at the first Christmas Your angel announced, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Thank You for the peace Your Son Jesus promised, not as the world gives, but willing, deep, lasting, and abiding peace. Thank You that, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord of peace Himself give us peace at all times and in every way.
Grant that, as far as it depends on us, we may live at peace with everyone, making every effort to do what leads to peace. So, let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, now and forever more. Amen (Luke 2:14; Romans 5:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Romans 14:19; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15).
3) A Prayer for Joy
Heavenly Father, let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Please fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Grant that as Jesus promised, His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete.
Fulfill His promise that, though we may grieve, our grief will turn to joy, and no one will take away our joy. Teach us to always pray with joy, giving joyful thanks to the Father, Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. And grant us such love and faith in You that we may be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. Amen (Psalm 5:11, 16:11; John 15:11, 16:20, 16:22; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:8).
4) A Prayer for Love
Loving God, You demonstrated Your love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. I trust in Your unfailing love; surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Teach me to love You with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind and with all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself.
Teach me even to love my enemies, and do good to those who hate me, as Jesus commands. Help me to remain in Your love. Help me to do everything in love, as I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Amen (Romans 5:8; Psalm 13:5, 23:6; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 6:27; John 15:9; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Galatians 2:20).
5) A Prayer on Christmas
The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will. Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, amen (a prayer by Henry Van Dyke).
