Blessing the Manger. An Advent Litany for. God among us, hear our prayer. God among us, hear our prayer. God among us, hear our prayer.

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1 An Advent Litany for Blessing the Manger Place each figure into the manger scene as it is named in the prayer. Steadfast God, let us be faithful, good, and righteous, as was your servant Joseph. Mighty God, help us to be obedient to you, as was Mary, full of grace. God of glory, send your tidings of great joy, sung by your angels over Bethlehem. Ever-living God, look on us in our lowliness; let us behold the wondrous birth, as did the beasts. Creator God, dazzle us with heaven s light; guide us from on high by the light of a star. God of wisdom, fill us with your grace; lead us to worship Christ, as you led the magi. God our Father, lead us to Christ your Son, as you led the lowly shepherds long ago. In accordance with c. 827, permission to publish is granted on April 28, 2016, by Most Revered Francis J. Kane, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Permission to publish is an official declaration of ecclesiastical authority that the material is free from doctrinal and moral error. No legal responsibility is assumed by the grant of this permission. Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition, copyright 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Copyright 2016, World Library Publications the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc River Rd., Suite 400, Franklin Park, IL All rights reserved under United States copyright law. v God of all love, bless this manger. Hear this prayer, offered in faith to you, God among us, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. WLP ISBN No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether mechanical, photographic, or electronic, including taping, recording, photocopying, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the written consent of the copyright owner. Printed in the United States of America.

2 Advent Daily Prayer God who reigns eternal, your word is truth and hope, your promise is sure and faithful. Stay with your people in these Advent days as we await the coming of Jesus, your Son, our Savior, our song: Emmanuel, God-among us, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Advent Household Table Prayer We eagerly await the coming of Christ to brighten the darkness of the world. May this meal strengthen us to be light for others. We are filled with joy at Christ s birth and believe he will come again in glory. May this time grace us to see his face in others. We know the Lord is near! The Sun of Justice soon will dawn! Bless this meal, bless our lives during these holy Advent days.

3 Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2016 Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7) During this time of year focused on family and friends, we are reminded to look for Christ in the stranger. For reflection this week: Who have I welcomed into my life or my church recently, so that God would be glorified? Let us pray: For the Church: let us continue to be a sign of God s glorious, open, and welcoming embrace. v Monday, December 5, 2016 When [Jesus] saw their faith, he said, As for you, your sins are forgiven. (Luke 5:20) Daily prayer: Lord Jesus, look on my faithfulness, and grant me your forgiveness, healing, and peace. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. (Isaiah 40:1) Daily prayer: God of comfort and consolation, help me to be your presence in the world, especially where comfort is needed. Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church One of the four original Doctors of the Church, Ambrose was an influential figure, and was said to have baptized St. Augustine. Bless the Lord, [O] my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. (Psalm 103:1) Daily prayer: Today and every day I will bless your name, my Lord God, joining my praise with St. Ambrose and all the saints.

4 Thursday, December 8, 2016 Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary We were redeemed from sin by Christ our Savior; our merciful God saved Mary from sin by preserving her from it. Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38) Daily prayer: Hear the prayer of your servant, O Lord, so I may follow the humble example of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Friday, December 9, 2016 Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Daily prayer: As I continue my Advent journey, God of light and life, continue to illumine my way, so I may truly follow you. Saturday, December 10, 2016 Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:4, 6) Daily prayer: May your people cry out boldly, mighty God, preparing the way for your coming and your salvation.

5 The O Antiphons These ancient prayers have been sung or recited at Advent Evening Prayer for centuries. Reversing the first letters of each title following the O spells the Latin phrase Ero Cras: Tomorrow I come. Beginning on December 17, pray one of these each evening perhaps at mealtime, or as a prayer before sleeping. O Sapientia O Holy Wisdom, come. In God s own voice you speak to us, with strength and tender care, Creating still in love divine. Come, show salvation s way. O Adonai O Lord of Israel, come. To Moses you once showed yourself in wondrous bush afire, And gave the Law on Sinai s heights. Come, raise your arm to save. O Radix Jesse O Root of Jesse, come. A sign raised up for all the earth, before you kings fall mute, With all the nations bowing low. Come, help us, swiftly come. O Clavis David O Key of David, come. The gates of heaven you fling wide, the walls of prisons crushed; From deathly darkness lead us forth. Come, free all captives now. O Oriens O Rising Daystar, come. Bring lasting, splendid brightness here; great Sun of justice, gleam So we may dwell in Light from light. Come, shine on us today. O Rex Gentium O King of nations, come. You are the joy of ev ry heart, uniting heav n and earth; From earth you made our mortal race. Come, save creation, come. O Emmanuel O God-among-us, come. Eternal King, who gave the Law, whom nations all desire, The Savior who redeems the world. Come, free your people, come. ISBN World Library Publications the music and liturgy division of J.S.Paluch Company, Inc River Road, Suite 400 Franklin Park, IL wlpcs@jspaluch.com wlpmusic.com