Today (Christmas Eve) is the final day of Advent. Tomorrow (Christmas Day) begins the celebration of Christmas, which lasts for 12 days: Dec 25-Jan 5. Here is the prayer guide my family will be using for prayer before meals as we celebrate the birth of Christ for 12 days. We’d love it if you used the prayer guide to pray along with us!
Family Prayer for the 12 Days of Christmas
Note: Sections with italicized text are read as call and response, with one person reading the normal text and everyone reading the italicized text. Other sections are read in unison.
Greeting
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
Candle Lighting
We light this candle as a reminder that the light of Christ has come into the world.
Christ’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:15)
Scripture Reading
See: Suggested Bible Readings for the 12 Days of Christmas
Response
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory. (John 1:14)
Prayer Before the Meal
Note: A prayer for needs in the family and giving thanks for the meal may be offered.
God our Father,
whose Word has come among us
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem:
may the light of faith illumine our hearts
and shine in our words and deeds;
through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen.
Sharing the Meal
Prayer After the Meal
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing. Amen.
