Advent wreath, to be said in this month of December
Introduction
To the common prayer is added the location of the so-called "Advent wreath" and a concrete gesture of fraternal solidarity. Placed in the center of the table, the crown is a sign of victory: at Christmas Christ, light of the world, triumphs over the darkness of sin and illuminates the night of man.
The crown is intertwined with white fir branches, the evergreen that recalls the hope brought by the living Lord forever among men.
In order to find fulfillment, this hope requires a conversion to love, starting with one's own family to open oneself to neighboring families and to the world.
The four candles, to be lit one per week, are the symbol of the light of Jesus that is getting closer and more intense: the small community of the family welcomes it with joy in prayer and vigilance, with a spiritual itinerary that involves children and great.
Prayer when turning on the crown
First week
Mom: We have gathered to begin the Advent season: four weeks in which we prepare to welcome God who comes among men and to make us more welcoming to each other.
Everyone: Come, Lord Jesus!
A son: Sir, we are looking forward to celebrating your Christmas. Help us prepare well, with signs of welcome, service and sharing. Then, when you come, we will present to you all that we have said and done during Advent.
Reader: From the Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 24,42)
The Lord says: "Stay awake because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."
Dad blesses the crown with these words:
Blessed be you, Lord, that you are the light. Help us to prepare the coming of your Son who makes us pass from darkness to your admirable light.
A son: lights the first candle and says:
Good Father, make us ready to welcome Jesus, your living Word.
Arrange for us to live this season of Advent in the joyful expectation of your Son, to send us to be light on our way and free us from all fear.
Convert our heart so that with the testimony of life we can bring your light to our brothers.
Everyone: Our Father ...
Dad: The light of the Lord shine on us, accompany us in this time so that our joy may be full.
Everyone: Amen.
Subsequent weeks
For the second, third and fourth Sunday of Advent, before lighting the respective candle, the father (or a son) can invite to prayer with these words:
We light the second (third, fourth) candle of the Advent wreath today.
Let us commit ourselves to live day by day the expectation of Jesus. With our life we prepare the way for the Lord who comes in joy and charity towards his brothers.
Everyone: Amen.
READINGS AND PRAYERS First week
Reader From the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans 13,1112
it is now time to wake up from sleep, because our salvation is closer now than when we became believers. The night is advanced, the day is near. So let us throw away the works of darkness and put on the weapons of light.
Guide: Let us pray.
Short prayer silence.
Your help, Father, make us persevering in the good waiting for Christ your Son; when he comes and knocks on the door, find us vigilant in prayer, active in fraternal charity, exulting in praise. For Christ our Lord.
Everyone: Amen.
READINGS AND PRAYERS Second week
Reader: From the book of Habakkuk 2,3
The Lord comes, he will not delay: he will reveal the secrets of darkness, he will make himself known to all peoples.
Guide: Let us pray.
Short prayer silence.
God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, God of salvation, still do your wonders today, because in the desert of the world we walk with the power of your Spirit towards the kingdom that is to come. For Christ our Lord.
Everyone: Amen.
READINGS AND PRAYERS Third week
Reader: From the Gospel according to Matthew 3,13:XNUMX
In those days John the Baptist appeared to preach in the Judean desert, saying: "Get converted, because the kingdom of heaven is near!". He is the one who was announced by the prophet Isaiah when he said: "Voice of one who cries in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, straighten his paths!".
Guide: Let us pray.
Short prayer silence.
We praise and bless you, O Lord, that you give our family the grace to relive the times and events of salvation. May the wisdom of your Spirit enlighten us and guide us, so that our house also knows how to wait and welcome your Son who is coming.
All: Blessed be the Lord for centuries.
READINGS AND PRAYERS Fourth week
Reader: From the Gospel according to Luke 1,3945
In those days, Mary set off for the mountain and hurriedly reached a city of Judah. Entering the house of Zechariah, she greeted Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth heard Maria's greeting, the baby jumped in her womb. Elizabeth was full of the Holy Spirit and exclaimed in a loud voice: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And blessed is she who believed in the fulfillment of the words of the Lord.
Guide: Let us pray.
Short prayer silence.
Father of immense mercy, who in Mary's virginal womb have placed the abode of eternal wisdom, Christ your Son, grant our family, by the grace of your Spirit, to be a holy place where your Word of salvation is fulfilled today . Glory to you and peace to us.
Everyone: Amen
CHRISTMAS
On the feast of Christmas, the Christian community celebrates the mystery of the Son of God who becomes man for us and is announced as savior: to his people, in the person of the shepherds; to all peoples, in the person of the Magi.
At home, in front of the ornate nativity scene which represents the nativity scene and before exchanging gifts and presents, the family prays to Jesus and shows his joy. Some texts can be entrusted to children.
IN FRONT OF THE CRIB
Reader: From the Gospel according to Luke 2,1014
The angel said to the shepherds: «I announce a great joy to you: today the Savior who is Christ the Lord was born. And a multitude of the celestial army praised God saying: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth to the men who love him".
Guide: Let us pray.
Short prayer silence.
Jesus the Savior, the new sun that rises on the night of Bethlehem, brightens our mind, warms our heart, because we understand the true and the good as it shines in your eyes and we walk in your love.
Your Gospel of peace reaches the ends of the earth, so that every man can open himself to the hope of a new world.
All: Your kingdom come, Lord.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Reader: From the Gospel according to Luke 2,1516
The shepherds said among themselves: "Let's go to Bethlehem, and see this event that the Lord has made known to us." So they went without delay and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Guide: Let us pray.
Short prayer silence.
Lord Jesus, we see you as a child and believe that you are the Son of God and our Savior.
With Mary, with angels and with shepherds we adore you. You made yourself poor to make us rich with your poverty: grant us never to forget the poor and all those who suffer.
Protect our family, bless our little gifts, which we have offered and received, imitating your love. May this sense of love that makes life happier always reign among us.
Give a merry Christmas to everyone, o Jesus, so that everyone may realize that you have come today to bring joy to the world.
Everyone: Amen.