Three Christmas Prayers

As we begin the end-of-year festivities, we wish all or readers the merriest Christmas and happiest New Year.

The ancient Celtic Christians deeply understood the significance of beginnings and endings. They referred to these periods as “thin times,” when the boundary between the physical and spiritual realms was unusually permeable. Christmas, a unique event where God descended into the world, and the end of the year, marking the completion of one planetary cycle and the commencement of the next, were considered sacred moments. Many of their prayers reflected these profound concepts. Here are three prayers that you can use during these times.

I open the stable door; I kneel before the infant; I worship with the shepherds; I adore the Christ child. I give my love with Mary and Joseph; I wonder at the ‘Word made flesh’.

I am aware of the love of God: I sing glory with the angels; I offer my gifts with the wise men.

I receive the living Lord; I hold Him in my hands; I go on my way rejoicing, glorifying and praising God.

David Adam, Celtic Daily Prayer.

May God shower joy upon us, my dear family, Christmas brings us all good things. God give us grace to see the New Year; and if we do not increase in numbers may we at all events not decrease.

—A old Scottish blessing for Christmas and the New Year

May you be blessed
With the spirit of Itjhr season, which is peace,
The gladness of the season, which is hope,
And the heart of the season, which is love.

— Irish Christmas Blessing

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