Nativity blessing at home
Once everyone is gathered begin:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Leader:
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we pause to bless this Christmas manger scene. The practice of erecting such mangers was begun by Saint Francis of Assisi as a means to help people reflect on the real meaning of Christmas. When we look upon the figures, the Christmas Gospel comes alive and we are moved to rejoice in the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God.
Someone then reads from the Gospel of Luke 2:1-8.
After the reading, each person offers their personal prayer intentions for this Christmas.
Pray the Our Father together.
Prayer of Blessing: God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior 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 up our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.