Christmas traditions are built on years of repetition. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity say a special prayer on Christmas Eve that is time-tested and heart-fully endearing. As we pray this message to God this year, please know you and all of our loved ones, all those who have touched our lives throughout the years and those who have no one to remember the, are in our minds and hearts as well.
Prayer for Christmas Eve
O Divine Redeemer, Jesus Christ, kneeling before Your crib, we believe that You are the God of infinite majesty, even though we see You here a helpless Babe. We adore You. We thank You for having so humbled Yourself for our salvation as to will to be born in a stable. We thank You for all You suffered for us in Bethlehem, for Your poverty, humility, tears, cold and nakedness. Would that we could give You love like that of Your Blessed Virgin Mother and St. Joseph. We unite our praise to that which the holy angels gave You on the first Christmas night. Most Sweet Jesus, take possession of our hearts. Renew in us that spirit whereby we may keep the Commandments faithfully and thus be made worthy to see and praise You for all eternity in Heaven.
With love throbbing in our hearts, the sweet picture comes to mind of the Grotto of the Nativity, scene of supreme joy and blessedness, making a heaven on earth, “for while all things were in quiet silence and the night was in the midst of her course, Your Almighty Word came down from heaven from your royal throne.”
In touching words St. Luke tells of the Blessed Virgin, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for Him in the inn.”
Leader: Behold! This is our God.
All: We have waited for Him and He will save us.
Leader: The Lord is great and exceedingly to be praised.
All: The Lord is little and exceedingly to be loved. (Ps 95:4)
Leader: Pray for us, our Holy Father, St. Francis.
All: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
