Christmas Breath Prayer: Find Peace This Season

Christmas Breath Prayer: Find Peace This Season

Brittany Ulman shares a breath prayer for you to use this Advent and Christmas to find Jesus' peace amid busyness.

Christmas Breath prayer

The Cradle and The Cross

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 ESV 

Tucked away in a dark, damp cave, the Savior of the world lies fast asleep in a feeding trough. His young mother rests atop a pile of hay; her exhausted body fighting against the day’s trauma, she doesn’t want to miss one moment marveling over her treasure. Her devoted husband, weary and covered in dirt and blood, cups his hand around her shoulder. Their hearts leap at the precious child sleeping before them. His small tummy rises and falls. His delicate eyelashes caress His rosy cheeks. His nose nothing more than a button, His breath a mere whisper. Nestled in a swath of old, worn and stained cloth, Jesus Christ, Immanuel, breathes the breath of eternal life. 

This, my fellow saints, is what Christmas is all about. Not the Pinterest-worthy decorations or the always-growing present list. Not even our family gatherings or church programs, as well-intentioned as they may be. No, Christmas is about 3 things: the cradle, the cross, and the One who laid upon them both. 

The innocent baby in the trough and the condemned man on the cross. 

Immanuel. God with us.

Making Space for the Prince of Peace

I know how easy it is to get bogged down with the busyness of the season, especially when you have your own little ones running around the house. Single, married, parents, children, grandmas and papaws, aunts and uncles, we all do it. We all quickly get burnt out and then check out. Yet, this isn’t how it has to be. We were made for so much more than this. He came for so much more than this. 

Please hear me though: this is not to shame you, it’s to invite you. Together, as God’s beloved and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17), let us rid ourselves of shame, stress, worry and busyness. In Jesus’ name, cast them all away and embrace the goodness our amazing Father has in store for us. 

Rather than enter this season like the world with gritted teeth and tense shoulders, allow the grace of God to fill your heart and the love of Christ to lift your head. Use this time to realign yourself with God and prepare your heart for this joyous season. Let us enter His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4) and rest our minds solely on Him. Give yourself over to the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and let it encircle you. 

Our loving Father has literally gifted us with His only begotten Son in human form (Philippians 2:6-8). Not to condemn, chide or control us, but to save us (John 3:16-18). Save and deliver us from sin and all its evil manifestations—stress, worry, anxiety, envy, greed, pride, loneliness, and despair. All of it and more. We are a chosen people (1 Thessalonians 1:4), bought with the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7, 2:13) and called to a greater purpose (1 Peter 2:21).

Jesus Christ is unlike any god our world attempts to create. He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8), the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Immanuel (Matthew 1:23, cf. Isaiah 7:14). God with us. 

Take a moment and make your home in those words. 

Immanuel. God with us. 

How amazing! Four syllables. Three words. One glorious gift. In just one full breath, we have the ability to realign ourselves with the God of the universe. With each inhale, we remind ourselves of Who this season is really about, and with each exhale, we proclaim the Good News to ourselves, to the saved, and the lost. 

Christmas breath prayer, immanuel

Your Christmas Breath Prayer

God has given us this precious gift, let us not neglect it. Proclaim the majesty that is Jesus and use His name—His very character—to center yourself in Him. Use the natural instrument God has already given you—your breath—and join the angels in Heaven as they worship our Savior (Revelation 5:12). Invite the Spirit of God into your heart and through His power, give all you have to the One who gave you breath. 

Breathe in…Immanuel. 

Breathe out…God with us. 

Repeat. Inhale…Immanuel. 

Exhale…God with us. 

Sense the Holy Spirit reclaim His place in your heart. 

Breathe in…Immanuel. 

Breathe out…God with us. 

Release your expectations and welcome His presence. 

Inhale…Immanuel. 

Exhale…God with us. 

Cast aside your anxieties and proclaim His glory. 

Breathe in…Immanuel.

Breathe out…God with us. 

Lord Jesus, we thank You that You are indeed, God with us. Thank You for willingly humbling Yourself to come as a baby and to die as an outcast. Thank You for embodying perfect love and calling me to do the same (John 13:34-35).

Please help me keep my eyes firmly fixed on You this Christmas. Lift me up when I falter, and call me to encourage our brothers and sisters. May You alone be glorified this Christmas, and may everything I think, say, and do be pleasing to You. You gave me Your everything, Jesus; Your heart, body, spirit, and breath. And in return, I give You mine. 

Inhale…In Jesus’ name. 

Exhale…Amen. 

Breath Prayer Guide

Download our FREE breath prayer printable guide to learn more and practice today!

Brittany Ulman (Platoon 24) is the founder of the Jesus Connection, a ministry with a mission to equip 20-somethings to be disciples. She is also a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at Snap Fitness in Greenville, Ohio, and a substitute multi-tasking ninja (a.k.a. teacher). For more about the Jesus Connection, visit our website

advent and christmas guide

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We have everything you need for a healthy and whole Advent & Christmas season! From devotionals, to workouts, to podcasts, to mini-challenges, and other resources, we are delighted to equip you to prepare your heart, mind, body, and soul for the beauty of Immanuel, God with us. 

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