Blessing of a Christmas Tree
Leader: Blessed be the name of the Lord
R. Now and for ever.
Leader. Let us now pray for God's blessing upon all who
gather around this tree.
God of all creation, we praise you for this tree which brings
beauty and memories and the promise of life to our home.
May your blessing be upon all who gather around this
tree, and all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights.
May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of joy that fills
our hearts. We wait for the coming of the Christ, the days
of everlasting justice and of peace. You are our God,
living and reigning, for ever and ever.
R. Amen
The lights of the tree are then illuminated and a Christmas
carol my be sung.
Blessing of the Christmas Crib
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
Leader: Pray for God's blessing as we look upon these
figures.
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 our thoughts to
Him, who is God with-us, and Savior of all, and who lives
and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen
A Christmas carol may be sung.
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Blessings for the New Year
Leader: Let us praise the Lord of days and seasons and
years, saying 'Glory to God in the highest!
R. And peace to His people on earth.
Members of the household may offer prayers of
thanksgiving for the past year. Conclude with the Lord's
Prayer.
Leader: Let us now pray for God's blessing in the New
Year.
Remember us, O God; from age to age be our comforter.
You have given us the wonder of time, blessings in days
and nights, seasons and years.
Bless your children at the turning of the year and fill the
months ahead with the bright hope that is ours in the
coming of Christ. You are our God, living and reigning, for
ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Leader: Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God
Conclude with the song: "Prayer of St. Francis"
Blessing of the Home on Epiphany
Above the doorway of the house (with chalk) write these
letters: 20+C+M+B+09
Leader: Peace be with this house and with all who live
here. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R. Now and for ever.
Leader: Let us pray: 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.
May we be blessed with health, goodness of heart,
gentleness and keeping of your law. Fill us with the light of
Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Conclude by singing "We Three Kings of Orient Are."
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