Redemptive Suffering and the Christmas Novena

Guest post by Erika Vandiver

Today is the first day of the Christmas Novena! 

Even if you're not Catholic, this nine day prayer can change someone's life. Every intention does not have to be for a miracle. Sometimes if a miracle isn't in God's plan, it is important to find peace and blessings amid difficult circumstances. In addition, prayers can be for a person to have what we call 'a happy death' when they are called home. A 'happy death' is one attended by angels and saints who ease the passage from this life to Heaven. While angels and saints attend the dying, they also bring some of God's peace to family and friends. 

As Catholics we're also big on redemptive suffering. We don't think our suffering makes us deserve Heaven, but that we join with Christ in His Redemptive suffering in obedience to His command to 'take up our cross' and follow Him. By following His command at the close of life, we believe we are like the 'good thief' asking Jesus to take us to His Kingdom at the hour of our death. Additionally, it is beneficial to join your discomfort and pain these nine days to God to donate any redemptive suffering for your intention. We are all family in Christ, so it is fitting for us to share what we can for one another. 

Day 1 - Christmas Novena Prayers 

Opening Prayer:

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

Day 1 Prayers

The Incarnation.

O most sweet infant Jesus, who descended from the bosom of the eternal Father into the womb of the Virgin Mary, where, conceived by the Holy Ghost, you took upon yourself, O Incarnate Word, the form of a servant for our salvation. Have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy on us.

Hail Mary, full of Grace, The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our deaths. Amen.

Amen.

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Thank you for joining me and thousands of others in praying this Christmas Novena!

Can you think of anyone who would benefit from or enjoy praying this novena with you? Ask them to join here: http://www.praymorenovenas.com

God bless you!