Traditional Opening Prayers For Christmas Worship

Many of the following texts date to the earliest recorded years of the history of the church. Each of the prayers express the basic themes of Christmas worship. Adapt the prayers below to local style and custom. The Nativity of our Lord: Christmas Eve or Day (Dec. 2425) O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. or O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. or this Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: …