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Introduction
The use of the Nativity Scene is a traditional practice established by St Francis of Assisi, which has found its place in the Church and home.
When the blessing of a Nativity Scene 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 Nativity Scene
All make the sign of cross as the leader says:
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All:
Who made heaven and earth.
Reading
One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example:
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
2:1-8
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
The Gospel of the Lord.
All:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Then, with hands joined, the person leading the blessing says the prayer:
God of every nation and people,
from the very beginning of creation
you have made manifest your love:
when our need for a Saviour was great
you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace,
justice, mercy, and love.
Lord,
bless all who look upon this manger;
may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
and raise up our thoughts to him,
who is God-with-us and Saviour of all,
and who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
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.
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