Christmas novena

Nine days of prayer to prepare for Christmas, from December 16 to 24. Pray it alone or with your family.

For nine days before Christmas, families in Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines and around the world gather to pray and prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus. Each day has a short reading, a reflection, the traditional prayers and a moment for your own intentions.

  1. 1Day 1 · Wed, Dec 16
    The promise Isaiah 9:6
    Long before Bethlehem, God promised a child who would be called Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Our novena begins with hope: God always keeps his word.
  2. 2Day 2 · Thu, Dec 17
    The annunciation Luke 1:26-28
    An ordinary girl in an ordinary town received an extraordinary message. God's greatest work began with a quiet conversation and a humble yes.
  3. 3Day 3 · Fri, Dec 18
    The visitation Luke 1:39-42
    Mary hurried to help her cousin Elizabeth. When Christ is near, love moves quickly to serve. Joy grows when it is shared.
  4. 4Day 4 · Sat, Dec 19
    Joseph, the just man Matthew 1:24
  5. 5Day 5 · Sun, Dec 20
    The road to Bethlehem Luke 2:4-5
  6. 6Day 6 · Mon, Dec 21
    No room at the inn Luke 2:6-7
  7. 7Day 7 · Tue, Dec 22
    The shepherds Luke 2:8-9
  8. 8Day 8 · Wed, Dec 23
    The Word became flesh John 1:14
  9. 9Day 9 · Thu, Dec 24
    Glory to God Luke 2:13-14

Opening prayer

Loving God, in these days before Christmas we want to prepare a place for your Son. Make our home like the stable of Bethlehem: simple, open and ready to welcome him. Gather our family, our friends and all who are far away into your peace. Amen.

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.

Glory Be

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.

Closing prayer

Jesus, born for us, come into our homes and our hearts. Bless the children, comfort the sick, give work to those who need it and bring home those who are far away. Mary and Joseph, teach us to wait for him with love. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When do you pray the Christmas novena?

The Christmas novena is prayed for nine days, from December 16 to December 24, ending on Christmas Eve.

How do you pray the novena?

Each day: an opening prayer, the Bible reading of the day, a short reflection, the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be, the intention of the day and a closing prayer. It takes about ten minutes.

Can I pray it with my family?

Yes, the novena is a family tradition in many countries. One person can read the reflection and everyone prays the traditional prayers together.