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Christmas Octave From the Latin word, Octava,
comes the ancient practice of celebrating
Christmas for eight wonderful days.

First Day of the Christmas Octave

The Nativity of the Lord
Opening Prayer from the Liturgy(during the Day): O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and still more wonderfully restored it, grant, we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”  | Readings

Second Day of the Christmas Octave

St. Stephen, First Martyr
​Opening Prayer from the Liturgy: “Lord, today we celebrate the entrance of Saint Stephen into eternal glory. He died praying for those who killed him. Help us to imitate his goodness and to love our enemies. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Readings | The Story of St. Stephen’s Martyrdom

Third Day of the Christmas Octave

St. John, the Evangelist
Opening Prayer from the Liturgy: “God our Father, you have revealed the mysteries of your Word through John the apostle. By prayer and reflection may we come to understand the wisdom he taught. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Readings: 1 John 1:1-4; The Word of Life

Fourth Day of the Christmas Octave

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Opening Prayer from the Liturgy: “Father, the Holy Innocents offered you praise by the death they suffered for Christ. May our lives bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” Readings: Matthew 2:13-18; The Story of the Holy Innocents

Fifth Day of the Christmas Octave

Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr
Opening Prayer from the Liturgy: “Almighty God, you granted the martyr Thomas the grace to give his life for the cause of justice. By his prayers make us willing to renounce for Christ our life in this world so that we may find it in heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Readings: Luke 2:22-35; Jesus calls “Follow Me.”

Fifth Day of the Christmas Octave

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Opening Prayer from the Liturgy: “Father, help us to live as the Holy Family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” Readings: Luke 2:22-40; Jesus Became Strong, Filled with Wisdom

Seventh Day of the Christmas Octave

Opening Prayer from the Liturgy  Almighty ever-living God, who in the Nativity of your Son established the beginning and fulfillment of all religion, grant, we pray, that we may be numbered among those who belong to him, in whom is the fullness of human salvation. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Readings : John 1:1-18 - "In the beginning was the Word...Word became flesh."

Eighth Day of the Christmas Octave

Mary, Mother of God
Opening Prayer from the Liturgy: “God our Father, may we always profit by the prayers of the Virgin Mother Mary, for you bring us life and salvation through Jesus Christ her Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Sprit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” 
​Readings: Luke 2:16-21; Mary Kept All Things in Her Heart.

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