1
 Merry Christmas!
 

"We thank You for as through Your Son You created us, so through Your holy love with which You loved us You brought about His birth as true God and true man by the glorious, ever-virgin, most blessed, holy Mary". (St. Francis, The Unapproved Rule, 23,3)

 


Christmas Wishes from
Five Franciscan Martyrs Region and Divine Mercy Fraternity,

Secular Franciscan Order


 

 


Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2012

 

St. Francis had a special devotion to the Christ Child. He was a Deacon. The above image represents more. Here's a poor man, filled with the love of Christ, holding this little person. We pray that all people can share Jesus, the Infant born at Bethlehem in their hearts.

A Christmas Prayer
 
Jesus, you became a baby,
   born among the poor.
You felt the loving touch of a Mother,
   And a Father's guiding hand.
You grew to manhood and preached
   your Gospel of love and truth.
You were heard by some,
   rejected by many.
You felt the terrible dread of your
  coming crucifixion upon a cross;
You went in agony and alone to
  death so that you could be with us
  when our time drew near.
You rose victorious and shared your
  glory with all who trust in you.
 
Once you were the Babe in
  Bethlehem;
Now you are the Firstborn from
  the Dead.
To you we pray.
Confident that your human heart
  which has been full of our joy and
  our pain will cause you to listen
  with love,
And bestow grace, peace and mercy
  upon us and those for whom we
  pray.
To you be all honor, glory and
  thanksgiving.
Amen.
 
(Source unknown)