The Christmas Octave

This faith resource is developed by the Agency for Evangelisation as a way of nurturing and nourishing the domestic church and to help the faithful celebrate not one but eight Christmas Days.

The Church sets aside eight days for the celebration of the Solemnity of the Birth of Jesus Christ:

You may be attending Mass on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or one of the other days during the Christmas Octave when each Mass is a Christmas Mass.

You may be just calling in to church to visit the Crib and a few minutes of personal prayer, or perhaps to light a candle for someone you know, or for the many people across the world who are unable to attend Mass at Christmas.

You may be at home, not able to venture out, or just keeping safe, celebrating with family and carers.

Whatever your circumstances, we hope that these pages of readings, prayers and reflections will bring you joy, inspiration and comfort, and every blessing this Christmas.

Praying the Octave

For each day, bring yourself into the presence of Our Lord, in church or may be in a quiet ‘prayer corner’ at home, perhaps with a candle and a Crib. Start with the sign of the Cross, followed by …

1. Opening Prayer
2. Short Reading from Scripture
3. A reflection from Pope Francis’ Admirabile Signum
4. A closing prayer
5. A suggested activity