Practicing Celebration: A 5 Minute Christmas Ritual for All Ages

Holiday Rituals

• Promote a sense of belonging. Strengthening our family/community connections.

We are connected to each other.

• Provide an oasis of renewal in the midst of busyness.

A slow deep breath in the midst of craziness. All is well.

• Remind us of our identity and values.

Who am I? What is really important?

• Provide structure and stability in a changing world.

I feel balanced again, on solid ground.

• Provide a sacred space that strengthens our inner world/soul.

I’m  finding connection with God.

Christmas Day Service Theme: Baby Jesus

Materials: 5 candles

Order of Service

1. Sing a carol: Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room.
And Heaven and nature sing.
And Heaven and nature sing.
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

2. Light the candles in a darkened room

Light first candle and say:

“We light this candle in honor of Mary.”

Light second candle and say:

“We light this candle in honor of Joseph.”

Light third candle and say:

“We light this candle in honor of the Angels.”

Light fourth candle and say:

“We light this candle in honor of the Kings.”

Light middle or fifth candle and say:

“We light this candle in honor of Jesus.”

3. Read Luke 2:1-8 by candle light

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

4. Pray: Short prayers or the Lord’s Prayer.

5. Sing a carol: Silent night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother, Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace.

6. Blow out the candles.