Blessing of a Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree
The origins of the Christmas tree are traced to both medieval mystery plays and to an eighth-century saint. The plays depicted the tree of paradise and a Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the World.
As Pope Francis shared in 2018, "The Christmas tree with its lights reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, the light of the soul that drives away the darkness of animosity and makes room for forgiveness."
Legend also links the Christmas tree to St. Boniface, an English bishop who went to Germany to spread the Gospel message. St. Boniface was successful in converting the people to Christianity, but after traveling to Rome to consult with Pope Gregory II, he returned to find that some of them had reverted to pagan practices including making sacrifices to a tree known as the "Thunder Oak," which was dedicated to the God of thunder. St. Boniface cut down the tree, which was supposed to be indestructible, and it is said that a fir tree grew in its place. Legend has it that St. Boniface took that as a sign of the Christian faith, and it has remained so ever since.
It is believed the first tree was brought indoors and decorated with candles in honor of Christ's birth around the year 1500. German immigrants are credited with bringing the tradition to the Americas.
According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing.
In the home the Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or another family member, in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on Christmas Day.
The Blessing
Opening Hymn and Sign of the Cross
Begin with an appropriate song or hymn.
The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply “Amen.”
Leader: Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and peace into our midst, now and forever.
R/. Amen.
Leader: My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the perfect light.
Scripture Reading
Examples: Titus 3:4 (lines 4-7) or Ezekiel 17:22 (lines 22-24); I will plant a tender shoot on the mountain heights of Israel.)
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God.
Intercessions
Leader: Let us ask God to send his blessing upon us and upon this sign of our faith in the Lord.
R/. Lord, give light to our hearts.
Leader: That this tree of lights may remind us of the tree of glory on which Christ accomplished our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
R/. Lord, give light to our hearts.
That the joy of Christmas may always be in our homes, let us pray to the Lord.
R/. Lord, give light to our hearts.
Leader: That the peace of Christ may dwell in our hearts and in the world, let us pray to the Lord.
R/. Lord, give light to our hearts.
The Lord's Prayer
Blessing prayer
The leader says the prayer with hands joined:
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.
The lights of the tree are then illuminated.
Conclusion
The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
Leader: May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy, now and forever.
R/. Amen.
The blessing concludes with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:
O come, thou dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadow put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
—From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers
