December 25, 2023: Christmas Day Celebration.
Light the White/Cream Candle—Jesus
Joy to the Word
Vigil: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) | USCCB
At Dawn: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) | USCCB
During the Day: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) | USCCB
At Night: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) | USCCB
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Christmas Day Prayer
A root shall come forth from the stock of Jesse and a flower shall rise out of his root and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. The spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of council and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and of Godliness. The people that walked in darkness shall see a great light for a child is born to us and a Son is given to us. To him all power shall be given, his name shall be Wonderful One, Strong God, Eternal One, Prince of Peace. He shall sit on the throne of David, and he will find a new covenant which will last forever and ever. Amen
THE FEAST OF CHRISTMAS
Light all four Advent Candles, not the Christmas candle at this time.
SCRIPTURE: The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I am bringing you good news of the great joy for all the people: today in the city of David is born a Savior, who is the Christ, the Lord.”
LITANY: Leader: Our response is “Sing a new song to the Lord.” Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! We shall sing to God a new song! R
Leader: We remember the Lord’s salvation every day! We sing of God’s peace to all the earth! R
Leader: We declare the Lord’s marvelous works to all the world! We rejoice at the coming of the Lord! R
Leader: Let us lift up the name of the Lord! We celebrate the fulfillment of the promise! R
Leader: Let us receive the Lord’s goodness! We sing a song of Joy! R
Light the Christmas candle at this time
PRAYER
Loving Creator, we give thanks for the birth of joy in our lives at Christmas. Send us forth as messengers of this Good News of great joy for all the people we meet and for all the people around the globe. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Reference: PrayersForLightingAdventCandles.pdf (stmaryalexandria.org)
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace.