Room in the Manger

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

O God, you sent your Son into the poverty and stillness of Bethlehem to dwell among us. As I prepare to celebrate his birth, clear a place for him in my heart. Awaken my hope, deepen my peace, and teach me to welcome Jesus in every person who needs my love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.

There was no proper room, yet the Son of God did not refuse the manger. He enters what is humble, unfinished, and available. We do not have to make ourselves perfect before Christ comes; we only have to open the space we truly have. His humility becomes our hope.

Infant Jesus, my heart is crowded and imperfect, but I offer it to you. Enter the places I would rather hide and make them your dwelling. Teach me also to make room for the lonely, the poor, and anyone who has been turned away through concrete hospitality. Amen.

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.

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, world without end. Amen.

Jesus, eternal Word made flesh, you became small so that no one would be afraid to draw near. Dwell more fully in my life and make my heart your dwelling place. Receive the intention I carry, give light to those who walk in darkness, and fill every home with the peace announced at your birth. Amen.

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