Christmas Prayer (Traditional)

At Christmas the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Lord, the eternal Son of God born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. This simple devotional prayer speaks directly to the Child Jesus, adoring Him, thanking Him for coming to save us, and asking Him to make our hearts a crib where He may rest. It recalls the tradition of the Christmas crèche, made popular by St. Francis of Assisi, who arranged a living Nativity scene at Greccio in 1223.

Pray it on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, before the family Nativity scene, and throughout the Christmas season, which lasts until the Baptism of the Lord. Children can pray it when the figure of the Christ Child is placed in the manger. It also makes a lovely blessing to include in Christmas cards or at the family table.

The Prayer

O sweet Child Jesus, born for us in Bethlehem, I adore Thee and I love Thee. Thank Thee for coming into this world to save me. Make my heart a crib where Thou mayest rest. Bless my family, my friends, and all who are dear to me, and bring peace to the world. Amen.

Traditional Christmas devotion prayer; classic manuals, public domain.

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