When the tree has been prepared, the household gathers around it. All make the Sign of the Cross. The leader begins:
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
All respond:
Now and for ever.
The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
This tree is a blessing to our home. It reminds us of all that is beautiful, all that is filled with the gentleness and the promise of God. It stands in our midst as a tree of light, that we might promise such beauty to one another and to our world. It stands like that tree of paradise that God made into the tree of life, the cross of Jesus.
Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the apostle Paul to Titus: 3:4-7
His own compassion saved us
But when the kindness and generous love of God our Savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in the hope of eternal life.
The reader concludes:
The word of the Lord.
All respond:
Thanks be to God.
After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord's Prayer. Then the leader invites:
Let us now pray for God's blessing upon all who gather around this tree.
After a short silence, the leader prays:
Lord our God,
we praise you for the light of creation:
the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night.
We praise you for the light of Israel:
the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom
of the Scriptures.
We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son:
he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace,
who fills us with the wonder of your love.Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us
as we illumine this tree.
May the light and cheer it gives
be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts.
May all who delight in this tree
come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
or
God of all creation,
we praise you for this tree
which brings beauty and memories
and the promise of life to our home.
May your blessing be upon
all who gather around this tree,
all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights.
We wait for the coming of the Christ,
the days of everlasting justice and of peace.
You are our God, living and reigning,
for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
The lights of the tree are then turned on.
