Knights of Columbus

Keeping Christ in Christmas

 

Keeping Christ in Christmas / Light Up For Christ 

In a time when all things religious are being discouraged and swept away, it’s refreshing to know that the Knights of Columbus established the “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign to remind people that Christmas is above all a Holy Day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. To help deliver the “Keep Christ in Christmas” message, Orderwide, the Knights of Columbus annually on the first Tuesday in December begin the Christmas season with the “Light Up For Christ” celebration. The ceremonial lighting of a Nativity scene, Christmas tree, or Christmas display is just part of the celebration. Plan such a lighting ceremony and at precisely 8 p.m., local time, throw the switch to “Light Up For Christ.” The “Light Up For Christ” celebration is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season to help spread the joyful tidings of Christmas. 

“Light Up For Christ” Prayer 

Heavenly Father, 

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, the true Light of the world, the Light which no darkness can overcome. He is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace who saved the world from darkness and brought humanity into the peace of everlasting Light. We praise you for Mary, who held your Son in her loving arms, and who was given to us as a Mother at the foot of the Cross. She is the New Eve, leading all her children into the Light of Joy who is her Son, Jesus. We praise you for the gift of faith, given to us at Baptism, which enlightens our minds to know and accept the Gospel of Truth and Life. 

(Pause) 

Lord, we ask that your blessing come down upon us and those of our family who cannot be with us today as we illumine this Christmas display. 

(Illumine Christmas display)

May the light that it gives fill our hearts with hope that you will free us from the darkness of sin, and deliver us into the light of your peace and happiness. May all who look at this Christmas display come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. Grant that we may always walk as sons and daughters of the light, keeping the flame of Truth alive in our hearts, until we join you and the heavenly host in the Kingdom of everlasting Light.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

 

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