Archbishop's Special Grace for Christmas Dinner
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
18 Dec 2015
18 Dec 2015
The best accompanyment for Christmas dinner is giving thanks to God in prayer
"Don't forget to say grace before your Christmas dinner" says Archbishop Fisher.
Stopping to give thanks before a meal is at the very heart of the Judeo-Christian tradition and can be a blessed opportunity to refocus in the midst of the sometimes hectic busyness, on the things that really matter.
In his special Christmas grace, the Archbishop compels us to be grateful for the gift of each person at the table and to remember and bless those loved ones not with us.
He reflects upon the humble birth of our Saviour and how that helps us remember those "without food or family or friendship at this time".
Recognising the generosity of God at this holy time of year allows us to truly prepare for the greatest gift of all at Christmas, the Son of God born into our midst.
"Make of our hearts a crib in which to place the Christ child…for you are our Christmas Lord, now and forever", prays the Archbishop.
Grace at Christmas Dinner
God of Christmas and of every day, giver of all good gifts,
we thank you for the many ways you have blessed us.
We are grateful for each person gathered around this table.
Bless us, our food and our company today.
Bless those we love who are not with us.
With gratitude and love, we remember your humble birth
into our lives and so pray for those without food or family
or friendship at this time. We remember the stable in which
you were born and so pray for those with no place to live.
We remember your flight into Egypt and so pray for
persecuted Christians and for refugees at this time.
We join your angels in giving glory to God in the highest
and in praying for peace and goodwill on earth.
Help us to see what really matters and to respond with faith, hope and love.
Make of our hearts a crib in which to place the Christ child.
Keep us safe and close to you in the year ahead.
For you are our Christmas Lord, now and forever. Amen.
we thank you for the many ways you have blessed us.
We are grateful for each person gathered around this table.
Bless us, our food and our company today.
Bless those we love who are not with us.
With gratitude and love, we remember your humble birth
into our lives and so pray for those without food or family
or friendship at this time. We remember the stable in which
you were born and so pray for those with no place to live.
We remember your flight into Egypt and so pray for
persecuted Christians and for refugees at this time.
We join your angels in giving glory to God in the highest
and in praying for peace and goodwill on earth.
Help us to see what really matters and to respond with faith, hope and love.
Make of our hearts a crib in which to place the Christ child.
Keep us safe and close to you in the year ahead.
For you are our Christmas Lord, now and forever. Amen.
Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP
Archbishop of Sydney
Archbishop of Sydney
To download a printable version of the Archbishop's Christmas Grace, click here.
Shared from Archdiocese of Sydney
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