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BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS TREE
The inauguration of the Christmas tree is normally done on Christmas Eve. This event also offers an opportunity for family prayer. Apart from its historical origins, the Christmas tree has become a potent symbol to-day and is very diffuse amongst Christians; it evokes both the tree planted in the centre of Eden (Gen 2, 9), and the tree of the Cross, which lends it a Christological significance: Christ is the true tree of life, born of human stock, of the Virgin Mary, the tree which is always green and productive. “Gifts” can be added; but among the gifts placed under the tree, something should be included for the poor since they belong to every Christian family.
When the tree has been prepared, the household gathers around it. All make the sign of the cross.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Now and for ever.
This tree is a blessing to our home. It reminds us of all that is beautiful, all that is filled with the gentleness and the promise of God. It stands in our midst as a tree of light that we might promise such beauty to one another and to our world. It stands like that tree of paradise that God made into the tree of life, the cross of Jesus.
Listen to the words of the apostle Paul to Titus:
But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Let us now pray for God’s blessing upon all who gather around this tree.
Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night.
We praise you for the light of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures.
We praise you for the light of Jesus Christ, your Son: he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonder of your love.
Lord God, as we illumine this tree, let your blessing come upon all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights,
May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts.
May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation,
We praise you for this tree which brings beauty and memories and the promise of life to our home.
We wait for the coming of the Christ, the days of everlasting justice and peace.
You are our God, living and reigning, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The lights of the tree are then illuminated.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Optionally, sing a hymn, such as:
O come O come Emmanuel