# Christmas Novena: The Fulfillment of the Prophecies
*2015-12-16*

> Bill Young introduces a family‑friendly Christmas novena beginning December 15, focusing on the prophecies fulfilled in Christ’s birth and offering daily prayers and practical acts of charity.

## Introducing the Christmas Novena

Good evening, I’m Bill Young. We’re beginning a new Christmas series of novenas that run from December 15 through December 23. The novena is designed to prepare us for the solemnity of Christmas by reflecting on the Gospel episodes of Jesus’ birth and childhood. Its simplicity makes it especially suitable for families with children, allowing everyone to discover the mystery of the Incarnation together.

## How to Use the Novena

Each day we pray together as a family, then choose a concrete act of charity to perform. Examples include kissing a crucifix, sprinkling oneself with holy water, offering a sign of peace, visiting a sick child or elderly person, helping a parent with chores, writing Christmas cards for those who have not received them, giving a portion of one’s savings to a child in a third‑world country, or abstaining from a bad habit. In this way the novena builds both prayer and neighborly love.

## Day One – December 15: The Fulfillment of the Prophecies

We begin with a reflection on how the Old Testament points to the virginal birth of Jesus. From Matthew’s genealogy we hear that Christ is the son of David, son of Abraham, son of Isaac, son of Jacob, son of Judah, son of Solomon’s line, and ultimately the son of Joseph, the husband of Mary, through whom the promised Messiah was born. This fulfills the prophetic promises of a child called Emmanuel—"God with us."

Prayer:

O God, ancient prophecies announced Your coming to earth. Help Your people who are waiting for You. May we welcome the birth of the Redeemer with joy, receiving His heavenly gifts. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

## Our Daily Prayers

Our Father:

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:

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.

*A family’s daily prayer and small acts of love can bring the mystery of Christ’s birth to life.*