If there is an Advent wreath in the home, it now takes on a new character. The purple streamers are replaced by Christmas red--a symbol that our preparation is now over and the time to rejoice is at hand. The candles on the wreath no longer remain purple or white, but take on the festive color, and above the evergreen boughs are seen the long red tapers that will be lighted at breakfast on Christmas morning. (Return to top)
After a day of fast and abstinence--the spirit of which is kept by the children through simple one-dish meals and no nibbling on the Christmas goodies in-between--the Christmas Eve supper often assumes a festive air, especially in families where Christmas Eve is the traditional time to lay the Child in the manger and open the gifts. The supper table is beautifully set, but includes a handful of straw in the center, covered by a white cloth--a symbol of the manger. On this is placed a plate containing a large round piece of unleavened bread, a sign of Christ the living Bread come down from heaven to be born in Bethlehem, "The house of bread." The father of the family tells the meaning of the wafer--how the One Bread of Life makes us one in Him and in love of each other, and then he might read the Church's blessing for bread before he breaks and shares the wafer with each member of the family: "O Lord Jesus Christ, bread of angels, living bread unto eternal life, bless this bread as You blessed the five loaves in the wilderness, that all who eat it with reverence may through it attain the corporal and spiritual health they desire." After this, a special meal follows. If the family desires, the unleavened bread may be substituted by any of the Christmas breads made in the home. (Return to top)
The nine days before the feast of Christmas have a very special character in many Latin and Latin-American countries. Each evening the parish or neighborhood group meets together and, bearing statues of Mary and Joseph, the people proceed through the streets with their pastor at the head. Stopping at all the "inns" (homes and even shops), they ask for admittance. Each night they are refused until, on Christmas Eve, they are allowed to enter the last inn (the Church, in some sections) where the crib has been prepared. With great rejoicing the Child is laid in the manger. The Las Posadas, as it is called, is a custom easily adapted to the family. On Christmas Eve the family gathers--perhaps before dinner if the family wants to enthrone the Christ-Child in the crib later on in the evening--and two of the children carry the crib statues of Mary and Joseph. As the family follows, the children walk from room to room, knocking at each door, and at each they are told by some member of the family stationed within the closed room that there is "no room in the inn." At last the procession reaches the living room, where it is allowed to enter and the children place Mary and Joseph in the stable. Where two or three families who are trying to live with the Church are close by, this beautiful custom is worked out in a more dramatic way. As soon as it is dusk, one couple or a boy and girl of high school age dress as Mary and Joseph. Carrying lanterns, they lead the procession from house to house, knocking on each door and inquiring for room. The same answer is heard, "No room in the inn." At the last "inn" the innkeeper offers his stable (the garage) to the holy couple, and the procession follows Mary and Joseph to the door. Joseph enters, sees that there is straw and a manger, and beckons Mary to come. Before the "live" Bethlehem scene, all stand while one person reads the Gospel from the Midnight Mass. Children especially enjoy this "journey to Bethlehem"--and as they are rejected from the many inns, they sense the hardships Mary and Joseph underwent in that first journey--and in the stable they feel the nearness of the Child who is born poor to make us rich. (Return to top)
Our Advent expectation is drawing quickly to a close! During the stillness of this holy night, the long-awaited Savior shall appear. In families where the children have experienced the longing of the past four weeks, the birth of Christ is a vivid reality. Many of these families have adopted the custom of laying the Christ-Child in the crib with a special procession and ceremony on Christmas Eve. The family gathers together in one room of the house, and the youngest child is given the statue of the Christ-Child to carry to the crib. Earlier his mother has told him what a privilege it is to bear the Child, and often during the day he has been reminded of his responsibility to be good in order to live up to this honor. He leads the procession through the house, flanked by an older brother and sister bearing lighted candles. Appropriate Christmas carols are sung as the procession makes its way towards the living room. When the family reaches the living room, all stand around the crib while the father reads the solemn proclamation of the birth of Christ from the Roman Martyrology. The proclamation and a suggested form of Christmas Eve prayers are given on the following pages. The blessing of the crib, becoming popular in many families, is included. (Return to top)
"While all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, Your almighty Word, O Lord, came down from heaven from Your Royal Throne" (Introit for Sunday within the Octave of Christmas). FATHER: From the Roman Martyrology: In the twenty-fourth day of the month of December; In the year five-thousand one-hundred and ninety-nine from the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; In the year two-thousand nine-hundred and fifty-seven from the flood; In the year two-thousand and fifty-one from the birth of Abraham; In the year one-thousand five-hundred and ten from the going forth of the people of Israel out of Egypt under Moses; In the year one-thousand and thirty-two from the anointing of David as king; In the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel; In the one-hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; In the year seven-hundred and fifty-two from the foundation of the city of Rome; In the forty-second year of the reign of the Emperor Octavian Augustus; In the sixth age of the world, while the whole earth was at peace-- JESUS CHRIST eternal God and the Son of the eternal Father, willing to consecrate the world by His gracious coming, having been con- ceived of the Holy Ghost, and the nine months of His conception being now accomplished, (all kneel) was born in Bethlehem of Judah of the Virgin Mary, made man. The birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the flesh. ALL: Thanks be to God. (The Child is now placed in the crib by the youngest child, while all sing the following antiphon.) ALL SING: This day Christ is born; this day the Savior hath appeared; this day angels are singing on earth, archangels are rejoicing. This day the just are glad and say, Glory to God in high heaven, alleluia. ALL: (All pray Psalm 109, one of the great Messianic psalms.) The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand * till I make your enemies your footstool." The scepter of your power the Lord will stretch forth from Sion: * "Rule in the midst of your enemies. Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; * before the day-star, like the dew, I have begotten you." The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: * "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech." The Lord is at your right hand; * he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will do judgment on the nations, heaping up corpses; * he will crush heads over the wide earth. From the brook by the wayside he will drink; * therefore will he lift up his head. Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen. ALL SING: This day Christ is born; this day the Savior hath appeared; this day angels are singing on earth, archangels are rejoicing: This day the just are glad and say, Glory to God in high heaven, alleluia. MOTHER or ELDEST CHILD reads the Gospel from the Christmas Mass at Midnight. ALL: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise Thee. We bless Thee. We adore Thee. We glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. Thou who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Thou who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only are holy. Thou only art the Lord. Thou only Jesus Christ, art most high. With the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. FATHER: O Lord, hear my prayer. ALL: And let my cry come to You. FATHER: Let us pray. O God, who made this most holy night to shine forth with the brightness of the true Light, grant we beseech Thee, that we who have known the mystery of His light on earth, may attain the enjoyment of His happiness in heaven. Who lives and reigns with Thee forever and ever. (The last window of the Advent Tower, masking the Christmas scene could be opened here.) Crib Blessing--Optional FATHER: Bless, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, this crib (he sprinkles it with holy water) which we have prepared in honor of the new birth in the flesh of Thine only begotten Son, that all who devoutly contemplate in this image the mystery of His Incarnation, may be filled with the light of His glory. Who lives and reigns with Thee forever and ever. ALL: Amen. FATHER intones a familiar Christmas carol to end--appropriately "Silent Night" or "O Come, All Ye Faithful." (Return to top)
Almost every family has unconsciously or consciously established a traditional time for opening the gifts. The gift exchange is always a "family event"--no one ever thinks of opening his gifts alone. This is an occasion when all are united, and there is community rejoicing over every present. Christmas Eve is an appropriate time for the exchange of gifts, after the Christ-Child has been placed in the manger, and the special prayers before the crib--and a round of Christmas carols- -are over. If the gifts are given out before the Midnight Mass, the children can concentrate more easily on the great mystery which is celebrated, when the Greatest Gift is given to all alike, even those who have received no material expression of Christmas love. And then, too, Christmas Day with its two additional Masses can be devoted more to the contemplation of the Christmas mystery and the demands of Christmas hospitality. But other families like to wait until the return from Midnight Mass, when gifts are opened before the family retires for the rest of the night. Christmas morning remains the rule in still other homes as the time for the gift exchange. In some homes, parents suggest that the children immediately choose one of their favorite gifts to be given to the poor, as a special sacrifice of gratitude to the Christ-Child--but a sacrifice done with a radiant face and a joyous spirit. Christmas gifts of clothing also provide opportunity for parents to introduce or encourage the lovely family custom of first wearing the new clothes to Church--as a sign of our gratitude for God's goodness and overflowing generosity towards us. There has been great interest lately in the question of just who should bring the gifts at Christmas. Many families feel that the over-emphasis on Santa Claus greatly detracts from the central mystery of the feast, and they either make known the fact that the parents themselves are the givers, or in many families, the children are told that the Christ-Child Himself has bestowed the presents. Others restore the stately bishop's mitre and crosier to Santa Claus, and good St. Nicholas is the one who brings the children's toys and gifts--perhaps after a preliminary visit to see how the children are behaving on the eve of his feastday, December 5. (Return to top)
Christmas Day begins in a very special way with the Midnight Mass. Having this first of the Christmas Masses in the middle of the night is an old custom in the Church and is full of significance. In the first place it corresponds with the traditional belief that Christ was born at midnight. Secondly, from the material darkness around us, we are reminded of the spiritual darkness in the world which only Christ the Light can dispel. The Midnight Mass is surrounded by family traditions which vary according to national heritage or personal preference. There is, for instance, one delightful way of waking the younger children for Mass. Some member of the family dressed as an angel and carrying a lighted candle, goes to each bed and sings a carol. After Mass many people share a special breakfast with their family. The French are especially fond of this night meal or reveillon, and serve their own traditional dishes. Other families place the Christ-Child in the crib on their return, and often the head of the family reads the Gospel aloud at the crib or at the breakfast table. This time after Mass also lends itself to the singing of carols and the quiet re-explanation of the Christmas story which children never tire of hearing. The second Mass of Christmas Day is the Mass at dawn, traditionally called the Shepherds' Mass. Just as the shepherds went eagerly to the crib to adore the Lord and to receive His great gift of light, so we also go to the altar where the same Lord comes just as truly to us. The theme of light is prominent in this Mass. Outside, the natural light is increasing. In Bethlehem the Light is manifested to a few more men. Over and over in the Mass texts light is mentioned: The Introit begins, "A Light shall shine upon us this day; for the Lord is born to us." These words can be read again at home, perhaps at the lighting of the Christ-Candle. (See The Christ-Candle for explanation of the candle.) Because the feast of Christmas is so great, the Church does not stop rejoicing after one or even two special Masses. She continues her worship with a third, the Mass of the Day. In this Mass, our attention is directed towards the divinity of the Child born in Bethlehem. We rejoice in His governing power and wisdom in the Introit. The Epistle refers us back to the Midnight Mass with the passage: "Thou art My Son, today have I begotten Thee." The progressive manifestation of Christ continues. From swaddling clothes and a lowly stable we move to might and majesty, throne and sceptre. From the adoration of Mary and Joseph and a few shepherds, we go to the adoration of all the earth. The great feast of Christ's manifestation, the Epiphany, is foreshadowed in the Gradual and Communion when we say, "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." It is natural that Christian families, in the spirit of the Masses, feel a desire to continue expressing their joy throughout the whole of Christmas Day. This expression takes varied forms. (Return to top)
In some homes Christmas carols are never heard until the Eve of the feast--instead, the poignant Advent music which seems to convey the spirit of the season in its melodies is sung until the vigil day. And then the Christmas carols are fresh and new. Even those families not accustomed to sing together find the Christmas music an excellent beginning for family song. Most carols can be sung by the whole family, but it is a good custom for older children to prepare and present a program of the more difficult or less common ones. This is a wonderful opportunity, too, for those members of the family who play a musical instrument to make a contribution by accompanying the singers, presenting a special solo or joining one another to produce a grand ensemble. Nearly every family has several favorite Christmas stories which are cherished. Children always enjoy hearing again familiar legends and stories, especially towards the end of an exciting Christmas Day. Some families like to build up their repertoire of Christmas literature by trying out one or two new stories or poems each year. There are an increasing number of excellent Christmas stories available today in libraries and bookstores. Some suggestions are listed below and on the following pages. "Dulci Donum," from "The Wind In The Willows," by Kenneth Graham. Christmas spirit on the river bank from one of the best animal books for children ever written. "The Crib of Bo'Bossu," from "The Long Christmas," by Ruth Sawyer. Viking Press, New York, 1941. A French tale of a hunchback whose heart is set on carving a beautiful crib for our Lady's Child. Good to read with the children around the crib. "The Gold of Bernardino," from "The Long Christmas." An ancient legend telling how the first crib scene came to be placed in a Spanish church. Charming in its simplicity--and perfect for reading aloud the night the Christmas crib is set up, for it explains the significance of offering ourselves to the Child. "The Voyages of Wee Red Cap," from "The Long Christmas." An Irish fairy tale to be read on the Eve of St. Stephen, when the "wee folk" show an Irish "Scrooge" how to shake loose from his gold. "The Shepherds," from "The Long Christmas." Across the skies on that holy night rings the sound of combat as Archangel Michael defeats Satan, and a little Spanish boy leads the shepherds to Bethlehem. "Legend of the Christmas Rose," by Selma Lagerlof, from "The World's Greatest Christmas Stories," ed. Eric Posselt. Prentice-Hall, New York, 1950. The well-known Swedish legend about the forest that is transformed at the miraculous hour of Christ's birth. "Which of the Nine?" by Maurus Jokai, from "The World's Greatest Christmas Stories." How can a poor shoemaker decide to give away one of his children? Why, even the songs they sing are more precious than all the gold in the world. Could be read to set the mood for an evening of singing together. "The Oak of Geismar," by Henry van Dyke, from "Christmastide," ed. William J. Roehrenbeck. Stephen Daye Press, New York, 1948. How the Gospel and the green fir tree were brought to the heathens of Germany in the eighth century by a band of English pilgrims. "The Noel Candle," by Clement C. Moore, from "Christmastide." The custom of lighting a candle in the window on Christmas Eve may have originated in this way. "The Holy Night," by Selma Lagerlof, from "Christmastide." Like the shepherd, we too could see the angels that fly down from heaven on Christmas Eve if we only had the right kind of eyes. "The Ox and the Ass at the Manger," by Jules Supervielle, from "The Greatest Bible Stories," ed. Anne Freemantle. Stephen Daye Press, New York, 1951. A completely charming character study of the two most envied animals in history. "The Nativity of Our Lord," from "The Golden Legend," by Jacobus de Voragine. Longmans, Green and Co., New York, 1948. An example of the freshness and simplicity of medieval devotion. "Where Love Is, There God Is Also," by Leo Tolstoy, from "What Men Live By." Pantheon Books, New York, 1944. The story of a poor shoemaker who wondered what he would do if the Lord came to be his guest. "Christmas on the Village Square," by Henri Gheon. A Christmas presentation by a band of gypsies. Delightful for an informal reading. (Return to top)
In some families, the events of the Christmas story are dramatized. For instance, the message of the Shepherds' Mass lends itself easily to drama. The family gathers around the crib and sings a few carols. Then the father reads the Gospel of this Mass aloud. As he says the words, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see the Word that is come to pass," each child comes forward with a shepherd figure and places it ceremoniously at the crib. There is another charming custom which by all means should not be forgotten on Christmas Day. This is the beginning of the Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem. The three kings start out separately in far countries, perhaps even in such remote places as the children's bedrooms. From there they continue to advance each day, assisted by the children, on their hazardous journey over bookcases and mantelpieces--not forgetting their dramatic meeting in the hall about halfway to Bethlehem. At last, on Epiphany, they will arrive in all their splendor to pay homage at the crib. At another time during the day, many families re-emphasize the central fact of Christmas by acting out St. Luke's Gospel. The living room becomes a stage with more imagination than effort-- and with a few odds and ends of material and old draperies the family and guests are transformed into the chosen group surrounding the Redeemer. Even the new Christmas dolls and animals can have parts to play. The Gospel forms the basis of the play. One person reads the story slowly and with care while the others act what is being read. No one can lay down rules about how the actors should go about doing this. In one family the "cast" may like to mime the Gospel; in another, the narrator may be adept at spontaneous dialogue. Still others may like to work from a simple script, and for these, a short play is given at the end of this book. This play has been worked out with narration, dialogue and music-- chant selections for school production, familiar carol substitutes for the home. When done in the family, it is important to draw all present into the play. In this way, there will be no awkwardness because there will be no "audience" to satisfy. And then, those who join in will be able really to enter into the simple actions and to make an adoration of it. For more ambitious families or parish and apostolic groups, effective prayer-dramas can be worked out on the whole history of salvation as the Church sets it before us in the Advent-Christmas liturgy. Beginning with the fall in Genesis, a script can be built around the great prophecies of Christ's coming, reaching a first climax in John the Baptist, and culminating in the Christmas and Epiphany texts from Mass and Office. (Return to top)
The candle, a widely recognized symbol of Christ the Light, has a definite place in the celebration of Christmas and is used in different ways. Some families have a large Christ-Candle which they light on each of the Twelve Days of Christmas at a special family function. The Christ-Candle is often placed on the center of the family dining table and lighted during the meals as a reminder that Christ is present as the members share food together. In other homes the Candle is placed near the crib, to be lighted during prayers and when the family gathers for singing. Candles are very prominent on Christmas Day. This was possibly true even at the first Christmas when, because of the feast of the Dedication, the Jewish people were burning candles in their homes. In medieval times Irish Christians began the custom of placing a lighted candle in the window to show that the stranger was welcome to enter in the name of Christ and share in the Christmas abundance. Parents can make clearer the symbolism of leaving a candle in the window by keeping a plate of Christmas cookies and a hot drink ready for any modern-day wayfarers who may knock at the door, as well as for friends and neighbors. (Return to top)
A
selection from the book A Year of the Lord in the Christian Home by Fr.
Francis X. Weiser.
(Return to top)
Christmas dinner in most homes is a joyous occasion, expressive of Christian family love and unity. It affords a special opportunity for sharing this love with our neighbor in the person of a "Christ-guest." This can be a foreign student, an elderly person from the Old Age Home or any acquaintance who is not included in a family dinner of his own. The spirit of receiving all guests as Christ makes Christmas parties and celebrations more meaningful and more in accord with the marvel of God having loved us so much that He sent His Only-begotten Son to dwell with us. (Return to top)
The
Jesse Tree (Return to top)
JESSE TREE SYMBOLS
The Sun: Just as the natural sun gives light and life to all upon whom its rays fall so Christ, the Rising Dawn, dispels darkness and brings eternal life and light. The Tablets of the Law: The Law of Moses as symbolized in the tablets which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai was fulfilled in Christ Who brings a law of love. The Key of David: The key is the emblem of authority and power. Christ is the Key of the House of David Who opens to us the full meaning of the scriptural prophecies, and reopens for all mankind the gate of Heaven. Bethlehem: Seven hundred years before Christ's birth, Micheas prophesied that the Savior would be born in the town of Bethlehem. Bethlehem, which means "House of Bread," was appropriately designated as the birthplace of Christ, the Bread from Heaven. The Root of Jesse: The flower which springs up from the root of Jesse is another figure of Christ. Isaiah prophesled that the Savior would be born from the root of Jesse, that He would sit upon the throme of David, and in Christ this prophecy is fulfilled. The Star of David: The six-pointed star is the emblem of the Royal House of David even to this day. Christ Who is born of the House of David, can truly claim this emblem as His own. Jacob's Ladder: In a vision, Jacob saw a ladder reaching from heaven to earth, with angels descending and ascending. Christ, the Incarnate God, is the Ladder reuniting earth to heaven, mankind to God. Jonas in the Whale. As Jonas remained in the whale three days, so Christ remained three days in the earth after His death. The Temple: The Temple was God's dwellinq place among the Jews of the Old Testament. His new Presence is within us. The Crown and Sceptre: The crown and sceptre signify Christ's universal kingship. As we sing in the fifth O Antiphon, Christ is not only the King of the Jewish nation, but the "Desired One of all," the cornerstone which unites both Jew and Gentile. The Sword of Judith: Judith of the Old Testament, who killed with a sword the leader of the Assyrian army, saved the Israelite nation. She prefigured Mary whose "Fiat" brought salvation to all mankind. The Burning Bush: God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush, which burned but was not consumed, a symbol of the Virgin Birth of Christ. Noe's Ark: A savior, Noe preserved the natural life of all within the Ark; Christ brings supernatural life to mankind and preserves that life within His Mystical Body the Church. The Ark of the Covenant: We address Mary as the Ark of the Covenant because she, like the Ark of the Old Testament, contained the most precious Gift of the New Law. The Altar of Holocaust: Sacrifice was offered daily on the Jewish altar of holocaust--a type of the Christian altar and the daily sacrifice of the Mass. The Apple: "O Happy Fault, whereby we have merited so great a Redeemer." The Paschal Lamb: At the yearly Pasch, the Jews sacrificed a new, unblemished lamb in thanksgiving for all that God had done for them and as an atonement offerfng for all their sins. This sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb was fulfilled in Christ, the "Lamb who takes away the sins of the world." The Pillar of Fire: In the Old Testament, God appeared in a pillar of fire to lead His people through the desert, as Christ leads us through the desert of life. Manna: The manna which the Jews ate in the desert for forty years was a symbol of Christ, the true Bread which descended from heaven. For suggestions on how to use these symbols, consult the following books under Jesse and "O" Antiphons (or O Antiphons), available on Catholicism Online: "Family Advent Customs," Helen McLoughlin "Christmas to Candlemas in a Catholic Home," Helen McLoughlin "Cooking for Christ," Florence Berger "Homemade Christians," Mary Reed Newland "The Year and Our Children," Mary Reed Newland "Year of Our Lord in the Christian Home," Francis X. Weiser, S.J. "Around the Year with the Trapp Family," Maria Augusta Trapp. (Return to top)
Bride's
First Christmas Tree. (Return to top)
In spite of the many attempts on the part of some historians to trace the origin of the Christmas tree to mythology, the custom and the symbolism are completely Christian. The Christmas tree resulted from a combination of the medieval Paradise tree and the Christmas candle.
One of the most popular of the medieval German mystery plays was the Paradise play, representing the creation of man, the sin of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from Paradise. This play became a favorite for Advent because it usually ended with the consoling promise of a Savior. As a matter of fact, the closing scenes led directly to the story of Bethlehem. In this play, the Garden of Eden was represented by a large tree symbolizing the "Tree of Discernment of Good and Evil." The Paradise tree was usually surrounded by lighted candles and the play enacted within the circle of lights. The Paradise tree gradually found its way into the homes of the people. The custom arose of setting it up once a year in honor of Adam and Eve on their feast, December 24. This particular feast, never celebrated in the Latin Church, was borrowed from the Eastern Rite. At this time the tree was bedecked with the symbolic apple, but further than that it bore no other resemblance to our present Christmas tree. But, at the same time, Christ was not forgotten. The Christmas candle in honor of Christ, the light of the world, was placed on top of a wooden pyramid, adorned with tinsel and colored glass balls. It was during the fifteenth century that more ornamentation began to appear on the tree. Since the Paradise tree already bore the fruit of Adam and Eve's sin, it was now thought proper to add a symbol of the "saving fruit" of the Blessed Sacrament. Accordingly, small white wafers were placed on its branches. Later, when imaginations began working overtime, shapes of men, birds, roosters, lions and other animals were also hung on the tree. But it was insisted that these latter had to be cut from brown dough; the wafers were made from white dough. People living in the sixteenth century finally began to notice the similarity between the tree and the Christmas pyramid. The tree was, so to say, a living pyramid and they might well combine the two— the tree and the lights. From then on, it became the Christmas tree. As time went on, the cookie forms disappeared and ornaments, made in symbolic shapes, took their place. By now, these have been replaced by meaningless decorated balls. However, even these need not lose their symbolism. The colored balls become more meaningful and more beautiful if religious pictures, symbolizing Christmas, are pasted or painted upon them. Your religious Christmas cards can supply you with ample pictures for this. The children will delight in attaching the pictures to the ornaments, or even making symbolic paper ornaments to hang on the tree.
On Christmas, after the tree has been decorated. Daddy may wish to read the special blessing for the tree. This can be found in the Christmas booklets that are obtainable at religious book stores. You will find that explaining the true history of the tree, giving it proper decorations and reading the blessing will give it far, more Christmas meaning for every member of the family.
CHRISTMAS NIGHT PRAYERS AT THE CRIB
Special night prayers around the crib keep the Christmas spirit alive even when nothing else is on schedule. If the Wise Men are making their journey to Bethlehem through the house, their resting places may be fixed just before night prayers begin. The Christ-Candle is also lit to begin the prayers, which might run something like the following. NIGHT PRAYERS FATHER: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ALL: Amen. FATHER: Our help is in the Name of the Lord. ALL: Who made heaven and earth. FATHER: Let us think over whether our actions during the day have done honor to the Christ-Child (pause). Let us ask forgiveness for what we have not done as we should. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come: Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ALL: Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ALL SING: This day Christ is born; this day the Savior has appeared; this day angels are singing on earth, archangels are rejoicing. This day the just are glad and say, Glory to God in high heaven, alleluia. ALL PRAY: (Psalm 133 from Compline, the Church's night prayer.) Come, bless the Lord, * all you servants of the Lord. Who stand in the house of the Lord * during the hours of the night. Lift up your hands toward the sanctuary * and bless the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Sion, * the maker of heaven and earth. Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen. ALL SING: (Repeat antiphon preceding psalm.) MOTHER OR ELDEST CHILD: (Lesson from Jeremias): You are in our midst, Lord, and Your holy Name has been invoked upon us. Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. ALL: Thanks be to God. FATHER: Into Your hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit. ALL: Into Your hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit. FATHER: For You have redeemed us, O Lord, God of truth. ALL: I commend my spirit. FATHER: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. ALL: Into Your hands, O Lord, * I commend my spirit. FATHER: Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of Your eye. ALL: Shelter us under the shadow of Your wings. FATHER: Now, Lord, you may dismiss your servant, in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have set before all nations as a light of revelation for the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. ALL: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen. FATHER: O Lord, hear my prayer. ALL: And let my cry come to You. FATHER: Let us pray. Visit this dwelling, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy. Let Thy holy Angels dwell herein, who may keep us in peace, and let Thy blessing be always upon us. Through Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen. FATHER: Let us remember the saints who come with us today to show their love for the Christ-Child. (The Collect or some other appropriate part of the Mass of the day is read.) Let us now sing a carol to the Christ-Child so that He may rest peacefully with us this night. Night prayers end with a favorite carol. (Return to top)
St. Stephen's Day immediately follows Christmas, and the Church rejoices in this first testimony by blood to the fact of the Incarnation. Children love the Gospel story about St. Stephen, who for love of God was stoned to death while praying for his enemies. It is also becoming a practice on St. Stephen's Day to pray particularly for our enemies, and it is appropriate to remember the persecuted Church throughout the world and all the people who, like Stephen, are being afflicted for their faith. St. Stephen was one of the first "social workers" in the Church, and it was his task to organize meals to feed the poor. In remembrance of Stephen's work for the needy, the British people used to collect money throughout the year in little clay boxes. On the feast of St. Stephen or "Boxing day" as it is called in Britain, these boxes were broken and the money was distributed to the poor. In some homes and communities a box is labelled and set beside the Christmas tree. Members of the family, in gratitude for their Christmas blessings, choose one of their gifts for the "St. Stephen's Box"--clothing and other useful articles which are sent abroad to the poor or to a mission country. As the family gathers around the lighted Christmas tree in the evening to eat minced meat pie dessert, the mother or father reads the story of Good King Wenceslaus who "looked out on the Feast of Stephen" and who enjoyed eating his minced meat pie after sharing his meal with a poor peasant family. The story is delightfully told in "More Six O'Clock Saints" by Joan Windham, and can easily be acted out by the children. Afterwards all join in singing Christmas carols. especially "Good King Wenceslaus." (Return to top)
An age old tradition connected with St. John's Day, December 27, springs from the legend of the poisoned wine he was served by the disciples of an enemy. He made the sign of the cross over the cup and drank it without harm. In remembrance, wine that is officially blessed after the morning Mass on St. John's Day may be taken home and drunk with special ceremony. In the absence of the priest's blessing, the father of the family may read at the table one or more of the prayers from the ritual--for example, the following: Let us pray. Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God! You willed that Your Son, equal to You in agelessness and substance should descend from heaven and in the fulness of time be born of the most holy Virgin Mary. Thus He could seek the lost and wayward sheep and carry it on His shoulders to the sheepfold, and could cure the man fallen among robbers of his wounds by pouring in oil and wine. Deign now to bless and sanctify this wine which You produced for man's drink. Whoever drinks of it on this holy feast, grant him life in body and soul. By Your goodness, let it be to him strength to prosper him on the way, that his journey may come to a blessed end. Through the same Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen. The wine is poured into a glass by the father, who drinks and passes it first to the mother, and then around the table to children and guests, in commemoration of the disciple of love. A greeting showing that it is love that binds the family together goes round with the cup: "Drink to the love of St. John, the Apostle." "And where love is, there is God," responds the next member of the family, taking the cup and drinking. (Return to top)
The Feast of the Holy Innocents is fittingly celebrated soon after Christmas Day since the Holy Innocents stood in the place of the Child Jesus and saved Him from death by their own shedding of blood. Parents have an opportunity to explain that the Holy Innocents are the special patrons of small children; they help them to please the Infant by obeying their parents, loving their playmates, sharing their toys. After morning Mass it is becoming customary in some communities for the children to gather around the crib in the parish church for the special blessing of children by the parish priest. If this is not possible, then the family gathers in the evening around the crib, and the father leads everyone present in the Our Father. Then he says the versicle, "O Lord, hear my prayer," and all respond, "And let my cry come unto You." The father proceeds with this prayer, taken from the blessing for children: Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, once You embraced and placed Your hands upon the little children who came to You, and said: "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and their angels always see the face of my Father!" Look now with fatherly eyes on the innocence of these children and their parents' devotion, and bless them this day through our ministry. (The father signs the forehead of each child with the sign of the cross.) In Your grace and goodness let them advance continually, longing for You, loving You, fearing You, keeping Your commandments. Then they will surely come to their destined home, through You, Savior of the world. Who lives and reigns forever and ever. All answer, "Amen." Then the father says to the children: "May God bless you. And may He keep your hearts and minds--the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit." All answer, "Amen." The father then sprinkles the children with holy water. (The Church's official blessing of children is included in the Roman Ritual.) This feast day, when the father blesses the children with holy water and signs their foreheads with the sign of the cross, reminds us that the father of the family stands at the head of the "little church" which is the home. In this capacity, he has the privilege of blessing the children not only today, but every day. Perhaps the ceremony suggested above could inaugurate the custom of the father blessing the children each evening at family night prayers. Since the feast of the Holy Innocents particularly concerns young children, the youngest child in the family is today given special privileges. He chooses the dessert for the family dinner, for example; he leads the family in Christmas carols, turns on the Christmas tree lights for the evening's festivities or performs other functions held in honor in the home. A delightful centerpiece for the family table today can be made by surrounding the large Christ-Candle with smaller white candles representing the Holy Innocents. The number of small candles might be as many as there are children in the family. Each child is allowed to light one small candle from the flame of the Christ-Candle, signifying that inasmuch as he received his life from Christ, he will live and if need be die for Christ just as the Holy Innocents did. The following round may be sung by the children. Light of Christ, let me be a tiny flame reflecting thee. (Return to top)
Of course, the very center and focal point of the celebration must be the Mass--and what a glorious Mass today's is! We are almost overwhelmed by the majesty, the brilliance, power and dominion of our King, to whom "the kings of Tharsis and the islands, of Saba and Arabia" are offering gifts. We feel that we ourselves are taking part in the fulfillment of the prophecy, "The Gentiles shall walk in Thy light and kings in the brightness of Thy rising." If any Mass in the whole year should be celebrated with all possible magnificence, with music and incense, it is surely today's. And it is especially appropriate to have a beautiful Missa Cantata in the parish with representatives of every family present. Perhaps some active young people can assist the pastor in encouraging a good attendance at a High Mass, and they might also gather together a group to rehearse the singing. Copies of the "Laudate Dominum" with the antiphon, "Christus vincet; Christus regnat; Christus imperat," could be mimeographed so that the entire congregation can join in singing praise to Christ. The Epiphany Mass is like a great offertory procession, led by the three Magi. This fact is emphasized in some parishes with a special procession before Mass. Three representatives of the parish bring up gold, frankincense and myrrh, together with the bread and wine for the Offertory, while the choir chants special antiphons from the Epiphany liturgy. (The gold can be represented by gifts of old jewelry from parishioners, which can later be sold for the benefit of the poor.) At the altar, the gifts are presented to the officiating priest, who may then read over them the special blessing the Church gives for gold, incense and myrrh on this feast day (contained in Father Weller's English translation of the Roman Ritual, published by Bruce, Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Such a procession can help all the people enter more fully into an understanding of the Epiphany mystery, and its theme of offering adoration and praise to God. Because Epiphany falls on a weekday most of the time, it may not be possible to arrange such a celebration in the parish--but in school or college it should not be difficult to cooperate with school authorities in planning a special observance of the Epiphany feast, beginning with a sung High Mass in the morning. But even if we cannot participate in a High or Sung Mass before hurrying off to work or school, at least we can read through the texts of the Mass the evening before, so that our minds and hearts are suffused with the splendor of the feast and its rich and deep significance for our life and work in the apostolate. (Return to top)
Throughout the days after Christmas the crib has remained set up in the parish Church--or in the family living room, or meeting place of the apostolic group--to center the thoughts of all on the humble birth of the Child at Bethlehem. Now on the feast of Epiphany the crib is transformed into a royal throne, so that all who see it are reminded of Epiphany's message: "Behold, the Lord, the Ruler is come: and the Kingdom is in His hand, and power and dominion."
The decorating of the crib on the Eve of Epiphany is a wonderful project for a parish young peoples' group or for the family. An elaborate cloth of gold or red velvet lines the crib. Upon the head of the Christ-Child is placed a kingly crown and in His hand a golden sceptre. Around the crib are placed golden candlesticks with tall candles that burn during the Epiphany Mass, or in the case of the home crib, at family prayers. Thus with few changes the crib becomes a regal throne, the little Child, a King. The contrast between the peaceful coming at Christmas and the triumphant world manifestation at Epiphany is eloquently expressed. This simple custom does much to make the spirit of Epiphany live in parish and family. (Return to top)
BLESSING OF EPIPHANY WATER AND CHALK
Some of the Fathers of the Church held the opinion that through His baptism Christ hallowed all the waters of the earth; therefore it became traditional to bless water on the vigil of Epiphany. This water was used in the blessing of homes on the following day. This custom is being revived today in some parishes. The people gather in the Church on the eve of Epiphany to prepare for the coming feast and to take part in the ceremony of the blessing of the water. Perhaps as a special project children in the classroom or some other group in the parish could prepare holy water containers for the parishioners, decorating small bottles with Epiphany symbols and texts in enamel paint. Then each family could take home one of these filled with the blessed water to use on the following day. Many pastors also bless pieces of chalk for each family to use in inscribing the names of the three Magi over their doorways, as a manifestation of their Christian faith and a protection against the powers of evil. The prayer for the blessing of the chalk is as follows: O Lord God, bless this Thy creature chalk that it may be used for the salvation of the human race. Through the invocation of Thy most Holy Name grant that whoever shall take of this chalk and write with it upon the doors of his house the names of Thy saints, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, may through their merits and intercession receive health of body and protection of soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. The blessing of water on the vigil of the Epiphany could well be performed with full solemnity before the main altar. If this is not possible and no priest is available, the prayers and hymns might be used as a vigil preparation at home. The full text for the blessing may be found in Volume three of Father Weller's English translation of the Roman Ritual. The liturgy of Epiphany, in all its regal splendor, can be a powerful force in educating we modern day Americans in the real meaning of the Incarnation. If we are looking for a remedy for the sentimentality of our business-dominated celebration of Christmas, it is in the Epiphany Mass and Office and in a full observance of the feast that we shall find it. (Return to top)
From the altar the blessing of the Church extends itself on Epiphany to the homes of the faithful. The custom of blessing the home probably grew up on account of the words in the Gospel, "And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary, His Mother, and falling down they adored Him." The priest blesses the house if he can be present, but if not, the father of the family may do so. He leads the family (and any guests who may have been invited for the occasion) from room to room, blessing each and inscribing the initials of the three Magi above the doors with the chalk that has been previously blessed. The chalk blessing is written as follows: 19 + C + M + B + 55 One small boy was so delighted with the ceremony that the first time his home was blessed, he said, "Oh, Daddy, is it all over?"- -and then the bright idea struck--"Couldn't we bless all the closets, too?" A full account of the ceremony and prayers in English are given below. When we bless the houses at Grailville, copies are mimeographed for everyone present so that they can join in the prayers and singing. The house blessing for Epiphany is a beautiful custom for families, and also for schools and apostolic groups to revive, because it helps strengthen the bond of union which should exist between altar and home. THE BLESSING On entering the home, LEADER (Priest, if present, or father of the family): Peace be to this house. ALL: And to all who dwell herein. ALL: From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. ALL PRAY: The Magnificat. During the Magnificat, the room is sprinkled with holy water and incensed. After this is completed, ALL: From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. LEADER: Our Father... And lead us not into temptation ALL: But deliver us from evil. LEADER: All they from Saba shall come ALL: Bringing gold and frankincense. LEADER: O Lord, hear my prayer. ALL: And let my cry come to You. LEADER: Let us pray. O God, who by the guidance of a star didst on this day manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we who know Thee by faith may also attain the vision of Thy glorious majesty. Through Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen. LEADER: Be enlightened, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee-- Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary. ALL: And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light and kings in the splendor of thy rising, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee. LEADER: Let us pray. Bless, O Lord God almighty, this home, that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfillment of Thy law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein. Through Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen. After the prayers of the blessing are recited, each room of the home is sprinkled with Epiphany water and incensed. The initials of the Magi are inscribed upon the doors with the blessed chalk. (Return to top)
