A Prayer of Hope for When Christmas Is Over - Your Daily Prayer - December 29
A Prayer of Hope for When Christmas Is Over
By Debbie McDaniel
“…I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Often, these days after Christmas can seem maybe, not so sparkly. You might be feeling like the holiday spirit came and went by too fast. Maybe you never did get everything done, but now that the big day is gone, you're already vowing to make next year even more special. Messy house calling your name, organization of it all begging for attention, returns waiting to be done, toys already broken, lights going out...
Deep breath.
His reminder to our hearts this morning: Christmas may be over, but He never changes.
Though some days seem to have lost their shine, He's still the same.
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
On all the big, celebration days and on all the days in between.
The manger is empty and so is the tomb. Jesus didn't stay there, He's alive today, our Emmanuel, "God with us."
Whatever you might be facing, don't ever doubt His great love for you. He sees you and He cares. He made a way for us to be free. And that truth puts all the joy and "Merry" in Christmas and the New Year too.
We still have such reason to celebrate, we still have great reason for joy, today, and every day.
For He is with us.
Resting there today. Hope you are too.
May His peace and joy fill your heart and home today, more than ever before. On this day after Christmas and through the whole New Year.
Dear God,
Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. You never leave us. Thank you for your daily Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you, in all these days after Christmas. Thank you for giving us this hope we can carry all year through.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
