“We should make a dwelling place within ourselves where God can stay.”

– St. Francis of Assisi

God With Us
Jesus – our Emmanuel,
praise is on our lips,
for you are born
here and now again
in our hearts.

As we gather at the manger
your hope fills us,
your peace comforts us,
your joy stirs us,
your love meets us.

May we carry these gifts into the days ahead
and share them with all those we meet,
especially those who do not know your
hope – peace – joy – love.

As we celebrate your birth among us,
we sing with the angels,
we pause with the shepherds,
we adore with the magi,
we draw near with the animals,
for we trust,
we even dare to believe
you do truly
dwell among us.

As we share gifts,
gather at table,
greet friends and neighbors,
and celebrate the season,
remind us you were born in a manger
– simple and humble.

May this simplicity and humility
help us to see you
in all which is now Christmas time.

From the manger
we are awakened
to our call as your people
to bring good news,
bind up broken hearts,
proclaim liberty,
comfort mourners,
and declare
your hope – peace – joy and love
this season and in all seasons.

From the manger
to our everyday
may we be witnesses
of you among us.
Amen.

A Blessed and Merry Christmas from the Friars and Staff at The Mount!

As we enter into this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope

may you know much peace and goodness.

Photo Credit: Mustafa Turhan

Advent and Christmas Prayers by Br. Michael, ofm

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.”
– Luke 4.18

God of Joy,
Our hearts are lifted up
as the Advent days grow shorter,
for we know you are so near.

Your joy is bigger than smiles shared,
gifts given and homes decorated.
Your joy is the depth of the heart.
Your joy sustains us in trials and struggles.
Your joy is the rejoicing of the good and holy.
Your joy reminds us of your delight in us.

As we journey in this Advent week,
we trust your joy will meet us no matter the journey.
We trust your joy is transforming our hearts,
allowing us to let go of false expectations and gimmicks.
We trust your joy is at work in us,
in our tasks, our duties
and gatherings with others.

Your joy is echoed in the words of Mary,
as she declares your goodness in hearing
the invitation to do your will.

May we be attentive to your invitations this week.

May we also declare:
“my soul magnifies”
and “my spirit rejoices,”
trusting this will guide us
to the true joy
at the Bethlehem Manger.
Amen.