Your home nativity set may not be as large as this one at St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles, but when you set it up, it is appropriate to bless it. 

 

A parent or another family member may lead the blessing.

 

All make the sign of the cross as the leader (L) says:

 

L: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

 

All respond (R/.): Who made heaven and earth.

 

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Lk 2:1 (lines 1-8) or 

Is 7:10 (lines 10-15, the birth of Emmanuel).

 

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.

 

R/. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The leader prays with hands joined:

God of every nation and people,

from the very beginning of creation

you have made manifest your love:

when our need for a Savior was great

you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.

To our lives He brings joy and peace,

justice, mercy, and love.

Lord,

bless all who look upon this manger;

may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,

and raise our thoughts to Him,

who is God-with-us and Savior of all,

and who lives and reigns forever and ever.

 

R/. Amen.

 

—From “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers,” USCCB