Blessing of the Christmas Manger and Tree

The Manger

God of every nation and people,
from the very beginning of creation
you have made manifest your love:
when our need for a Savior was great
you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love.
Lord, bless all who look upon this manger.
May it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
and raise our thoughts to him,
who is God-with-us and Savior of all,
and who lives and reigns forever and ever.  Amen.

The Christmas Tree

Holy Lord, we come with joy to celebrate the birth of your Son,
who rescued us from the darkness of sin
by making the cross a tree of life and light,
May this tree, arrayed in splendor,
remind us of the life-giving cross of Christ,
that we may always rejoice in the new life
that shines in our hearts through Christ our Lord.  Amen.