Making time for prayer this Christmas
Opinion
Christmas is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Catholic Church, a time filled with light, hope and joy.
For many of us, it’s also the one time of year we step into a church, even if life’s busyness keeps us away the rest of the year.
There’s something about Christmas that draws us back: the carols, the nativity scene, the glow of candles and the deep sense that God is near.
But Christmas is more than a day, it’s a season of grace. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect and create space for prayer. Amid the shopping lists, family gatherings and festive meals, we can easily forget the heart of it all: Christ coming into our world and into our hearts.
Prayer during Advent and Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as lighting a candle and saying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus’. It can be reading the Gospel story of the nativity with your family or listening to a quiet hymn before bed. These small moments open our hearts to God’s presence.
For children, prayer can be woven into traditions. Imagine gathering around the Christmas tree and saying a short prayer of thanks for each ornament or blessing the nativity scene together. These practices teach little ones that Christmas is not just about gifts – it’s about God’s greatest gift to us.
Christmas Mass often fills our churches with people who may not come regularly. What if that joy and fullness continued every Sunday? Imagine a parish alive with young families, music that lifts hearts and a sense of welcome that makes people want to return.
The Catholic Church thrives when we bring our gifts – whether that’s singing in the choir, volunteering or simply showing up with an open heart.
If you’re a parent, consider making Sunday Mass a family tradition beyond Christmas. Children learn faith by seeing it lived. And if you have musical talent, your parish needs you! Music transforms worship into an experience of joy and beauty.
To keep prayer alive after the decorations come down, there are wonderful Catholic resources to help:
• God’s Word 2026 by St Paul’s Publications – A daily prayer and reflection book based on Scripture. Perfect for starting or ending your day with God’s Word.
• Catholic Podcasts – Try Pray as you go or Fr. Rob Galea’s series Outside the chapel. There are other popular podcasts like The Bible in a Year, Catholic women preach, Jesuitical or Abiding Together for inspiration and teaching.
• Prayer Apps – Apps like Give us this day and Ascension: Catholic Bible offer guided prayers, rosaries, and reflections, while Laudate offers daily readings according to the Catholic Liturgical Calendar.
For the children, Little Saint Adventures uses games and stories to teach scripture, and Theo is a prayer and meditation app designed to help children explore their faith and develop a spiritual practice.
These tools make it easier to stay connected to God in the midst of everyday life.
Christmas reminds us that God entered our world in simplicity and love.
When we take time to pray – whether in church, at home or on a quiet walk – we allow that love to shape us. And when we bring that spirit into our parishes, we help create communities that are joyful, welcoming and alive.
This Christmas, let’s not just visit the manger. Let’s invite Christ into our hearts and homes and carry that light into the year ahead.
Lord Jesus,
As we gather this Christmas, fill our hearts with your peace and joy.
Bless our family with love that reflects your own.
Help us to welcome you into our home and keep you at the centre of our lives.
May Your light guide us through the year ahead.
Amen
Lauren Bierer, pastoral support, Community Life and Worship.
