# Christmas Novena: Days 1‑4
*2016-12-17*

> Bill Young leads the first four days of a Christmas novena, reflecting on the prophecies, Joseph’s announcement, Zechariah’s vision, and the Annunciation, with prayers and Scripture.

## Day 1 – The Fulfillment of Prophecy (December 15)

We begin with the genealogy of Jesus, recalling how the promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the virgin birth. From Abraham to Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David, Solomon, and finally to Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom Jesus, the Christ, is born. The prophet Isaiah foretold, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel—God with us.”

Prayer: “O God, ancient prophecies announced your coming. Help your people receive the birth of the Redeemer with joy. You who live and reign forever, hear our prayer. Amen.”

We then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Glory be.

## Day 2 – The Announcement to Joseph (December 16)

According to Matthew, Joseph discovers that Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. As a righteous man, he plans to divorce her quietly, but an angel appears in a dream: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Prayer: “Lord God, grant us the grace to await this divine mystery, that the Blessed Virgin may bring forth God incarnate, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”

We continue with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

## Day 3 – The Announcement to Zechariah (December 17)

From Luke 1:8‑17, Zechariah, a priest, is serving at the altar when an angel appears: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall name him John. He will bring many of the people of Israel back to the Lord.” John will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb and will prepare the way for the Lord.

Prayer: “Lord, who created light out of darkness, send us the true Light of the world. May all baptized Christians draw nearer to your Son, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.”

We pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

## Day 4 – The Annunciation (December 18)

Luke 1:26‑33 tells how the angel Gabriel visits Mary in Nazareth: “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid; you will conceive and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great, the Son of the Most High, and will inherit the throne of David, ruling over Jacob’s house forever.”

Prayer: “O Eternal God, immaculate Virgin, accept this divine announcement. May Mary, worthy to bear Christ, intercede for the faithful. Through Christ our Lord, amen.”

We conclude with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

*Each day of the novena draws us deeper into the mystery of Christ’s Incarnation, inviting us to pray and prepare our hearts for Christmas.*