Abbey of Montecassino:
Cassino, Italy
Opening Prayer
Holy God, we open our hearts to You this Christmas as we gaze at You in the manger. We are in awe at the miracle of Your incarnation and we long to reflect Your incarnate glory. Awaken in us a great desire to be transformed into Your image and likeness. Help us bring Christ and His radiant Heaven-scented presence into Your world this Christmas. -Ministry of Pastoral Care (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible For unto us this Child was born, unto us this Son was given; and the government is on his shoulders. And His name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. -Come, thou long expected Jesus (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Birth of Jesus In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And 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 -Luke 2: 1-7 (Think deeply on the life of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. -Psalm 39:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart. -Christina Rossetti 
Taize Community, France
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