PRAYERS & BLESSINGS

PRAYERS & BLESSINGS

BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS TREE The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing.

In the home the Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or another family member, in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on Christmas Day.

When all have gathered, a suitable song may be sung. The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply “Amen. ”

The leader may greet those present in the following words: Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and peace into our midst, now and forever. R/. Amen.

In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing: My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the perfect light.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Titus 3:4 (lines 4-7) or Ezekiel 17:22 (lines 22-24; I will plant a tender shoot on the mountain heights of Israel.)

Reader: The Word of the Lord. R/. Thanks be to God.

The intercessions are then said. The leader says: Let us ask God to send his blessing upon us and upon this sign of our faith in the Lord. R/. Lord, give light to our hearts.

That this tree of lights may remind us of the tree of glory on which Christ accomplished our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. R/.

That the joy of Christmas may always be in our homes, let us pray to the Lord. R/.

That the peace of Christ may dwell in our hearts and in the world, let us pray to the Lord. R/.

After the intercessions the leader invites all present to say the Lord’s Prayer.

The leader says the prayer with hands joined:

Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night. We praise you for the light of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonder of your love.

Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree.

May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/. Amen.

The lights of the tree are then illuminated.

The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:

May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy, now and forever. R/. Amen.

The blessing concludes with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” :

O come, thou day-spring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene Blessing of the Home and Household on Epiphany

BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS MANGER OR NATIVITY SCENE In its present form the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223.

The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time. When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member.

All make the sign of the cross as the leader says: Our help is in the name of the Lord. R/. Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 2:1 (lines 1-8) or Isaiah 7:10 (lines 10-15, the birth of Emmanuel).

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. R/. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The leader prays with hands joined: God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Saviour was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love.

Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Saviour of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. R/. Amen.

BLESSING OF THE HOME AND HOUSEHOLD ON EPIPHANY

This tradition has biblical roots going back to the story of Moses in the Bible when the Israelites were asked to put the blood of a lamb or goat on the doorpost and above the doors of the houses. At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there. Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany.At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas.

For 2022 this is what you will write on your door in chalk: 20 + C + M + B + 22

When all have gathered, a suitable song may be sung. The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply, “Amen. ”

The leader greets those present in the following words: Let us praise God, who fills our hearts and homes with peace. Blessed be God forever. R/. Blessed be God forever.

In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling place among us. It is Christ who enlightens our hearts and homes with his love. May all who enter this home find Christ’s light and love. One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 19:1-9:

Listen to the words of the holy Gospel according to Luke: Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house. ”

And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they

began to grumble, saying,

“He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner. ” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over. ” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. ”

The intercessions are then said: Leader: The Son of God made his home among us. With thanks and praise let us call upon him. R/. Stay with us, Lord. Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, with Mary and Joseph you formed the Holy Family: remain in our home, that we may know you as our guest and honour you as our Head. We pray: R/. Stay with us, Lord.

Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, you had no place to lay your head, but in the spirit of poverty accepted the hospitality of your friends: grant that through our help the homeless may obtain proper housing. We pray: R/. Stay with us, Lord.

Leader:Lord Jesus Christ, the three kings presented their gifts to you in praise and adoration: grant that those living in this house may use their talents and abilities to your greater glory. We pray: R/. Stay with us, Lord.

After the intercessions the leader invites all present to say the Lord’s Prayer. The leader says the prayer of blessing with hands joined: Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill them (us) with the light of Christ, that their (our) concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/. Amen.

The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying: May Christ Jesus dwell with us, keep us from all harm, and make us one in mind and heart, now and forever. R/. Amen. It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song, for example, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” or “We Three Kings. ”