As you wrap presents, bake Christmas cookies, and decorate the tree, take a moment to remember the true origin of Christmas. For Christians, Dec. 25 marks the day when Jesus Christ was born in ...

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.

All. Amen. (Sprinkles tree with holy water.) Then the family can sing a song, an Advent carol, if it knows one, then it is time to bless the crib and eat Christmas Eve supper.