A Christmas Prayer For A Soldier

For most of us, Christmas is the merriest season of the year. It is a special time we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hear carols, decorate our homes, and shop for food and gifts all over the world. Christmas is a uniquely joyous time when families and friends gather, exchange gifts, pray, and have special meals together. However, not everybody can celebrate Christmas this way. There are those who cannot even see a single Christmas light nor hear a single Christmas carol—those who cannot be with their loved ones, such as soldiers. They need our prayers. Let us pray:

Almighty God, men who serve in the military cannot choose where they want to be for Christmas. The call of duty is foremost. While we are merry-making, our soldiers may be at the center of hostilities or simply overcome with loneliness. So, we pray that You may be with them and meet their needs as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Let us not forget that these soldiers are fighting for us. These are brave warriors who risk their lives and sacrifice their own joys and comfort to defend our freedom. Let us see what we can pray for soldiers at this special time of the year. 

What can I pray for a soldier on Christmas?

Here are some of the things we can pray for a soldier at Christmas time:

• Comfort and joy

On that quiet night, an angel was sent by God to the shepherds to proclaim the good news that would bring great joy for the world, the birth of the Messiah [Luke 2:10-11]. The first Christmas. God wanted us to remember this day as a time of rejoicing, even during the most difficult times. It may be easier said than done, but seeking comfort from God is the surest and most logical way. David praised God for comforting him in his darkest moments [Psalm 23:4]. In the same way, the apostle Paul testified of the comfort he received from God amid his sufferings [2 Corinthians 1:3-4].

Our soldiers can also draw the same comfort from God. Here is a sample prayer that we can pray for them:

Heavenly Father, the God of All Comfort, thank You that You are able to turn our sorrow into gladness [Psalm 30:11]. That is why we have the confidence to lift up to You, our soldiers this Christmas. Help them to feel the comfort of Your love and the joy of Your salvation. Bring to mind their happy memories and renewed inspiration to keep fighting the good fight. And lastly, give them hope that they will see better and happier days. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

• Fellowship with one another

Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another [John 13:34-35] as they continue His ministry. In the same way, soldiers need to be bonded in love and brotherhood as they fight for a common goal. The message of Christmas is love, and such love should manifest itself among men who are in the same depressing situation. Fellowship makes a soldier feel that he is not alone. Together they can pray, worship, and celebrate Christmas in their own special way. 

Here is how we can pray for this need:

Father in heaven, Your Son Jesus showed His love for His disciples when He walked on earth, eating with them, fellowshipping with them, serving them. And with this love, He modeled how they were to love one another. O Lord, we pray that just as the disciples were away from their homes and families, our soldiers may also bond in the same manner, especially on Christmas. May they strengthen one another. May they still be able to rejoice with each other despite their circumstance as they celebrate the birth of our Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

• Cessation of hostilities

The world will always remember the Christmas Truce in 1914. Five months after World War I broke out and running out of men and ammunition, French, British, and German armies decided to temporarily stop the hostilities on December 24-25. This was a great time when soldiers from all sides mingled and exchanged greetings, food, and souvenirs. Let us pray that just as the angels brought Your message of peace on that first Christmas [Luke 2:13-14], warring parties, even non-Christians will honor Christmas as they did in 1914 and decide to temporarily stop or even permanently end all hostilities.

Here is how we can pray for this need:

Almighty God and Father, we ask You to enable our soldiers to have a quiet time remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Grant, O Lord, that the parties in the war in which they are engaged will agree to halt all fighting and stop bloodshed. Make Christmas a time for goodwill and friendship. And even as the day draws near, may You keep our soldiers safe from harm as they fight the enemy. Help them remember that You are their rock of refuge. Grant them victory and put an end to the war once and for all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Conclusion

God promised to give us comfort and joy [Jeremiah 31:13]. He is our strong tower and our deliverer. He is a faithful God. The Bible has shown that He is true to His promises. We can always trust Him as we pray for our soldiers waging war for us, especially at a time when they need our prayers the most, such as Christmas. It is a time when the Christian world is celebrating while our protectors are away and in desolation. Let us remember them on this joyous day, that amid their circumstances, they may have peace in their hearts, rejoice, and put their hope in Christ the Messiah.