This year we have faced a chronic challenge due to Corona Virus pandemic. On account of this, we are all gripped under stress and fear. The entire world is puzzled about how to control and relieve the people from this stressful fear. But as Catholics, we have, in the midst of this fear, an amazing gift of faith and hope in Jesus, who helps us find peace even amidst chaos.
We are in the third week of Advent and it is called Gaudete Sunday, inspiring us for a joyful expectation for the birth of Jesus. The challenge now is to live the rest of the Advent with joy, hope, and gratitude. Here is a simple way which could help us celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way.
You may make a small crib with a Christmas tree set up in your family room and say each night a simple prayer thanking God for the gift of Jesus, thus allowing your hearts to be open to receiving Jesus into your family. The Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or another family member making use of the following prayer:
Leader: Let us ask God to send his blessings upon us. That this tree of lights may remind us of the tree of glory on which Christ accomplished our salvation,
Leader: That the joy of Christmas may always be in our home, we pray to The Lord.
Response: Lord hear our prayer
Leader: That the peace of Christ may dwell in our hearts and in our world, we pray to The Lord
Response: Lord hear our prayer
Leader: That those who are affected with Covid-19 and those who are under stress and fear may experience healing and joy, we pray to The Lord
Response: Lord hear our prayer
Leader: Lord our God, we praise you for the light, the joy, and the hope that your Son Jesus Christ has brought to the world. By sending your Son you have given us the greatest gift. May He, the Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, reign over our family and fill us with the wonder of your love.
Response: Amen.
God bless you
Fr. Arul Joseph V.
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