2. Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehem's of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.

4. Meister Eckhart once said: ‘What good is it that Christ was born 2,000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart?’

14. Come to the Peace Child Let Him still your soul He was the only one Who could bring hope to this world As the centuries have passed And our search for peace goes on It’s still to be found in the heart of a child

15. Bring before the Peace Child Members of your family Living or dead……. Ask God to be with them and bless them….. Ask Our Blessed Lady to hold them in Her tender loving care as she did Jesus Her Son that first night in Bethlehem…….. Lord in Your Mercy Hear Our Prayer

16. Bring before the Peace Child Any worries or concerns, anything that is troubling or upsetting you at the moment….. Ask Our Blessed Lady to hear your prayer and calm your worries and fears as she soothed Jesus as He lay in His manger on that first Christmas night. Lord in Your Mercy Hear Our Prayer

17. Bring before the Peace Child The people and places that are far from peace in our world…….. For those people living in war-torn countries such as Iraq or Afghanistan….. For soldiers, Aid workers, doctors and nurses who will be far from home this Christmas trying to keep the peace…. Lord in Your Mercy Hear Our Prayer

18. Bring before the Peace Child The poor and the homeless of the world…… The refugees enduring terrible suffering in Dafur….. The poor and lonely of Birmingham…… and for the workers at the Fireside who will help them. We ask Our Blessed Lady who knows what it is to be without a home to strengthen and support all those in need on this day….. Lord in Your Mercy Hear Our Prayer

19. Bring before the Peace Child Our Christmas preparations and celebrations…….. We pray for those not looking forward to Christmas…. We pray for those who will not have the money to buy expensive presents…. We pray for the courage to appreciate the gifts we will receive and the sacrifices made by family and friends to bring us those presents…. Lord in Your Mercy Hear our prayer

20. It is easy to think Christmas, and it is easy to believe Christmas, but it is hard to act Christmas

21. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless us Your dear children in Your tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with You there. Amen

22. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down is sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.