The St. Andrew Novena for Christmas

Today begins the tradtional St. Andrew Novena for Christmas. Below is the prayer that is said 15 times a day from today until Christmas. It is a beautiful way to meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation throughout this time of preparation for the coming of our Savior. If you memorize it (and after a few days you do) you can easily pray it throughout the day. A wonderful way to bring you back to the meaning of Advent if you are out shopping for Christmas!

Here is the prayer:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and momentAt which the Son of God was bornOf a most pure VirginAt a stable at midnight in BethlehemIn the piercing coldAt that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee,To hear my prayers and grant my desires(mention request here). Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother.

(It is piously believe that whoever recites the above prayer 15 times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (Nov. 30th) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.) Imprimatur: Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York, February 6, 1897