by Fred Moleck
Christmas Blessings
One of the overlooked treasures of liturgical prayer is the solemn blessing at the end of Mass. After “Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing,” the rest of the three-part blessing is frequently lost on us musician types.
We are probably fussing with organ registrations or paging through the SATB hymnal for the recessional hymn or any number of things that demands our attention.
What I offer here is the solemn blessing for Christmas so you can digest it now and, at least, pay some cursory attention to the words of the presider.
The second part of each blessing is a lovely seasonal prayer of blessing. I pray that you will become what each prayer says.
When he came to us as man, the Son of God scattered the darkness of this world and filled this holy night with glory.
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness.God sent his angels to shepherds to herald the great joy of our Savior’s birth.
May he fill you with joy and make you heralds of his gospel.When the Word became man, earth was joined to heaven.
May he give you his peace and good will, and fellowship with all the heavenly host.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
You can reach Fred Moleck via email at fmoleck@comcast.net