The Christmas Novena Begins Today, December 16th
The Christmas Novena begins on December 16th and concludes on Christmas day. This devotion honors the Incarnation of Christ and is prayed especially for an end to abortion. Let us not forget that an unplanned [but greatly prophesied] pregnancy saved humanity. Join thousands of others worldwide in praying for more protections and a greater respect for all human life.There is no better time to reflect on the most vulnerable of this world than during Advent and Christmas when we prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to us as a small baby. Advent also reminds us that Christ will come again at the conclusion of history, not as a helpless infant, but as a triumphant King and just Judge, at whose name every knee will bend.
A God who became so small could only be mercy and love.
— St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.'
— Luke 2:8-11
[N.B.: There are two versions of this novena below.]
Opening Prayer
O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and humility is unsurpassed and brings us to our knees in prayer and worship.
Your incarnation forever changed the world.
All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Day 1 – Joy
O Lord, infant Jesus, fill us with Joy! The birth of any child is a cause for joy and so much more is the birth of You our Savior. We pray in union with Mary, Your mother, for a greater joy this Christmas.
Day 2 – Humility
O Lord, infant Jesus, grant us great humility! You gave us the model of perfect humility in your incarnation, life and death. We pray for a greater Humility this Christmas.
Day 3 – Faith
O Lord, infant Jesus, give us the gift of Faith! You, Lord, deserve our complete faith. We pray for deeper and more perfect faith in you this Christmas.
Day 4 – Hope
O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us the Hope that saves! Your birth to the Virgin Mary brought a Hope to the world that continues to sustain us. We pray for a saving Hope this Christmas.
To pray this novena in full go here.
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Christmas Novena Version 2
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father…
Our Father…
Day 1
The Incarnation.
O most sweet infant Jesus, who descended from
the bosom of the eternal Father into the womb of the
Virgin Mary, where, conceived by the Holy Ghost, you
took upon yourself, O Incarnate Word, the form of a
servant for our salvation. Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy on us.
Hail Mary…
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Day 2
The Visitation.
O most sweet infant Jesus, who by means of your
Virgin Mother, visited St. Elizabeth, and filled your
servant, St. John the Baptist, with the Holy Spirit,
sanctifying him from his mother’s womb.
Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy on us.
Hail Mary…
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Day 3
The Expectation of Birth.
O most sweet infant Jesus, who waited for nine months
enclosed in the womb, and inflamed the heart of the
Virgin Mary and St. Joseph with the most powerful love
and expectation, all for the salvation of the world. Have
mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord. Have mercy on us.
Hail Mary…
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Day 4
The Holy Nativity.
O most sweet infant Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary in
Bethlehem, wrapped in poor swaddling clothes, laid
in the manger, glorified by angels, and visited by
shepherds. Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy on us.
Hail Mary…
O Jesus born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to thee;
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Christ is at hand. O come, let us worship him.
Our Father…
To pray this novena in full go here.
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