How to Bless Your Manger Scene at Home

Many people have a manger scene or crèche at home to depict the birth of Jesus Christ.

St. Francis of Assisi is said to have created the first manger scene for Christmas Eve of 1223.

Offering a special blessing for your manger scene at home is a wonderful family tradition that can be passed down to future generations.

A good time to offer the blessing is on the Vigil of Christmas (Christmas Eve) but any time is fine. Here’s how:

Start with the Sign of the Cross and the read a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 2:1 (lines 1-8) or Isaiah 7:10 (lines 10-15, the birth of Emmanuel).

The reader then says: “The Gospel of the Lord.”

Response: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”

The leader then prays:

“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 forever and ever.”

All respond: Amen.



Share:
Print


Mass Livestream
Menu
Home
Search