Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, along with the whole Franciscan Family, are celebrating Christmas at Greccio 1223-2023. The coming centenary year calls us to pause before the mystery of the Incarnation in order to contemplate the depth of God’s love for humanity. The concrete way St. Francis celebrated the mystery of the Incarnation at Greccio invites us to child-like wonder in the gift of Jesus present in each of our hearts. As we look to this special year of recalling Jesus’ Birth in dramatic ways, we share our own traditional Christmas Eve Prayer compiled by Mother Generose. (The prayer is recited before beginning the Christmas Eve liturgy.) We also share a Silent Night Holy Night Vocation Meditation as we pause and pray to be the peace of Christ in our world. St. Francis, pray for us.
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Christmas Eve Prayer
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.”
Behold, this is our God
We have waited for Him and He will save us.
The Lord is great and exceedingly to be praised.
The Lord is little and exceedingly to be loved.
Pray for us, our Holy Father, St. Francis.
That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
God calls you. We invite you. You are invited to come visit us at our Wisconsin Motherhouse or one of our convents in various geographic locations for a portion of a day or a few days while discerning God’s call. It is our best way of sharing our spirit with you. Not only will you meet those in Initial Formation, but also many of our Sisters who have lived our Franciscan vocation and have experiences to share. Our homes also speak of our history and the many members who are part of our legacy as Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Dates can be quite flexible. Register here or call or text Sister Julie Ann at 920-323-9632.
Article Comments:
Sister Anne Marie Lom 12/24/2022 @ 4:50 pm
Thank you for this meditation! I saw it right before we prayed Mother Genroses’ prayer. Merry Christmas!