# The Christmas Novena – Day One
*2008-12-14*

> Bill Young introduces the Christmas Novena, explains its purpose and how families can incorporate daily prayers and good deeds, and reflects on the fulfillment of the prophecies in the birth of Jesus.

## Introducing the Christmas Novena

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the 252nd episode of Catholic Podcast Ministries, Prayer and Lunch. Today we begin the Christmas Novena, a nine‑day preparation for Christmas that runs from December 15 through December 23. The novena helps us enter more deeply into the mysteries of the Incarnation—the birth and childhood of Jesus. It is especially suitable for groups, including children, so that everyone can discover the signs of Christ’s coming into the world. Praying together as a family renews our understanding of the meaning of Christmas.

## Daily Practices and Acts of Charity

Each day of the novena we suggest a small act of love or sacrifice: kissing a crucifix, sprinkling ourselves with holy water, exchanging a sign of peace, visiting a sick child or elderly person, greeting a parent in a special way, tidying a room, getting up at the proper time, writing Christmas greetings to those who have not yet received them, or giving money to a fund for children in the Third World. By pairing prayer with concrete deeds we grow in spirit and learn to serve our neighbor.

## Opening Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

Oh God, come to my aid. Oh Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## Day One: The Fulfillment of Prophecy

The first day of the novena, December 15, focuses on the fulfillment of the Old‑Testament prophecies. The waiting of the prophets is accomplished in the virgin birth of Jesus. From the Gospel of Matthew we hear the genealogy of Christ: son of David, son of Abraham, descending through Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and King David, through Solomon, through the exile in Babylon, down to Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, called the Christ. All of this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophets.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.”

We pray: “Lord God, the ancient prophecies announced Your coming. Help Your people who are waiting for You to welcome the birth of the Redeemer with joy, to receive the heavenly gifts and the fullness of Your blessings. You who live and reign forever, hear our prayer. Amen.”

## Our Prayers

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

*The Christmas Novena invites us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth through prayer, reflection, and acts of love.*