This Christmas prayer by St. Barnard of Clairvaux helps us focus our hearts on the beautiful gift of baby Jesus as a way to touch God’s heart at Christmas.

Nativity Prayer

madonna and santa 002Let Your goodness Lord appear to us, that we
made in your image, conform ourselves to it.
In our own strength
we cannot imitate Your majesty, power, and wonder
nor is it fitting for us to try.
But Your mercy reaches from the heavens
through the clouds to the earth below.
You have come to us as a small child,
but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts,
the gift of eternal love
Caress us with Your tiny hands,
embrace us with Your tiny arms
and pierce our hearts with Your soft, sweet cries.

How to Meditate from St. Bernard of Clairvaux

An Amish Table Prayer

The Prayers of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux