Welcome | Resources for Liturgy | Rites of the Church | Blessings

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Introduction

The relatively modern decoration of a Christmas tree is now a common seasonal feature in homes, as well as in many churches.

When the blessing of a Christmas Tree is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family.

Order for Blessing a Christmas Tree

All make the sign of cross as the leader says:

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All:

Now and for ever.

Reading

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example:

A reading from the letter of St Paul to Titus

3:4-7

But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The word of the Lord.

All:

Thanks be to God.

Prayer

Then, with hands joined, the person leading the blessing says the prayer:

Holy Lord,
we come with joy to celebrate the birth of your Son,
who rescued us from the darkness of sin
by making the cross a tree of life and light.
May this tree, arrayed in splendour,
remind us of the life-giving cross of Christ,
that we may always rejoice
in the new life that shines in our hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:

Amen.

Then, if the tree has lights, they are turned on.

Excerpts from the English translation of the Book of Blessings, © 1985, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. Excerpts from the English translation of the Roman Missal, © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.