Supplementary material for individual, family, or community prayers during the Christmas season.
Hymn: Angels from Heaven / Emmanuel, the Lord is with Us
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
‘Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:4–16)
My dear Jesus, I thank You for becoming man and coming among us! I kneel before Your manger now and, with a heart full of gratitude, I spend time in Your presence, contemplating the immense gift You gave us in Your birth. Your manger may seem insignificant, yet it helps me grasp the true meaning of Christmas.
Your manger signifies closeness to me, as it was meant to bring nourishment closer to the mouth. You allowed Yourself to be laid in a manger, not remaining distant and mighty, but coming close as a baby to become our sustenance.
I thank You for showing me Your love through Your nearness and for seeking a relationship with me. When my life feels incomplete, I thank You for assuring me that You understand what I am going through because You also endured trials, even as a baby in the manger. Thank You for knowing my pain and my story. Thank You for reminding me through Your birth that You are and will always be near to me.
Hymn: Shepherds, Shepherds / God So Loved the World
I look around at those who stood by Your manger: there was no one but Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds—all poor people, united by love and reverence, not by wealth or grand opportunities.
I thank You for showing me the true riches of life: You are the greatest treasure, and I want to live in the richness of Your love. You were born, lived, and died poor for my sake. Help me recognize You in the poor and the downtrodden, and may I never forget them in my prayers and actions.
Hymn: Glory to God in the Highest / Mary, Did You Know
Jesus, Your manger is so real and tangible; it reminds me that God’s Word truly became flesh and dwelt among us in You. Your love for us was concrete, from the manger to the cross: from Your birth to Your death, You were the carpenter’s son, embracing the roughness of wood and the harshness of existence. You loved us not just with words but with concrete deeds. You expect from me not just good intentions or appearances, but real faith built on worship and active love.
Please strengthen me this Christmas so that my love for You may be transformed into good deeds. On Your birthday, may I myself become a cherished gift for You.
Hymn: The Virgin Bore the Holy Child / Come to the Manger
