# Chaplet of the Child Jesus
*2015-12-28*

> Bill Young reflects on the Holy Innocents and leads listeners through the Chaplet of the Child Jesus, including a traditional hymn and prayers to the infant Jesus.

## Opening and Hymn

Good morning, this is Bill Young and welcome to the Prayer at Lunch podcast. Today is Monday, December 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Before we begin the chaplet, I’ll share the words of the traditional hymn “Away in a Manger.” I’m not a singer, so I’ll simply speak the lyrics. You can find many musical versions online if you’d like to sing along.

## Feast of the Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents were the children in Bethlehem who were slain by King Herod in his attempt to kill the newborn Messiah. Tradition holds that between twenty‑one and twenty‑six infants were murdered. We pray in gratitude for their innocent sacrifice and ask God to keep all children safe in His loving care.

## The Chaplet of the Child Jesus

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

O God, come to my aid. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

[Hymn excerpt]
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay; the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the shepherds awake, but the little Lord Jesus makes no cry.

Lord Jesus, most tender Child, who from the heart of the Father came down from heaven for our salvation, entered the womb of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and became the Word Incarnate, grant that we, humble of heart, may enjoy the fruits of Your redemption. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 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.

Come, Lord Jesus, Savior of the world.

Lord Jesus, most tender Child, who was born in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, glorified by angels and visited by shepherds, grant that our hearts may be worthy to welcome You as a child and adore You as Redeemer. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 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.

Come, Lord Jesus, Savior of the world.

Lord Jesus, most tender Child, who was revealed by the star to the Magi and received gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, guide us along the path of humble service that leads to You. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 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.

Come, Lord Jesus, Savior of the world.

Lord Jesus, most tender Child, who was circumcised on the eighth day and named Jesus, free our minds from every impure desire and every vice. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 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.

Come, Lord Jesus, Savior of the world.

Lord Jesus, most tender Child, who fled to Egypt with Mary and Joseph to escape Herod’s decree, deliver us from the snares of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 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.

Come, Lord Jesus, Savior of the world.

Lord Jesus, most tender Child, who at twelve years old was found in the Temple discussing the Scriptures with the teachers, grant us the wisdom to remain faithful to the Mother Church. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 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.

Lord Jesus, most tender Child, who lived in Nazareth in obedience, poverty, and labor, keep us ever mindful of Your humble life and of the example of Joseph and Mary. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 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.

Come, Lord Jesus, Savior of the world.

## Conclusion

Thank you for joining me in prayer today. May the Holy Innocents intercede for us, and may the Child Jesus fill our hearts with love and peace.

*May the innocent hearts of the Holy Children inspire us to trust fully in the tender love of the Child Jesus.*