Christmas Novena

The Christmas Novena is prayed from December 16 to 24, the nine days before Christmas Eve. In Colombia and much of Latin America it is known as the Novena de Aguinaldos, and it is the prayer that gathers the whole family around the nativity scene: you pray, you sing the joys, and you wait together for the birth of the Child Jesus. Here is the full text, day by day, with the opening prayer, the closing prayer and the carol of joys.

When it is prayed: From December 16 to 24, one night per day, ending on Christmas Eve. In many homes it is prayed beside the nativity scene or the tree, and each night a different family member reads.

How to pray it

Make the sign of the cross and, if you have one, light a candle by the nativity scene.
Pray the opening prayer together.
Read the day's reading and the meditation.
Pray the prayer of the day and the short invocation.
Sing or recite the carol of joys.
Close with the closing prayer to the Child Jesus.

The nine days

Day 1 · The Promise: the Virgin shall conceive
Day 2 · The Annunciation to Mary
Day 3 · The Visit to Elizabeth
Day 4 · Joseph receives the Savior
Day 5 · On the way to Bethlehem
Day 6 · There was no room at the inn
Day 7 · Today a Savior is born for you
Day 8 · Glory to God in the highest
Day 9 · The Word became flesh — Christmas Eve

Opening prayer

Most gracious God of infinite charity, You loved us so much that You gave us Your only Son as the pledge of Your love. We thank You for so great a gift, and we ask You to prepare our hearts, like a humble manger, to receive the Christ Child who comes to be born among us. Amen.

Short invocation: Come, Lord Jesus, come into our souls; come, do not delay.

Day 1 · The Promise: the Virgin shall conceive

Reading

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

Meditation

As we begin this novena, let us contemplate the faithfulness of God, who never abandons His people and fulfills His word at the appointed time. The sign that was foretold invites us to wait with simple hearts: the Lord Himself is coming to remain with us. In the midst of our worries, our weariness, and the trials of each day, this promise kindles a hope that does not disappoint. God prepares salvation with tenderness, in silence, and asks us to make room for Him in faith. We too must learn to wait as a family, trusting more in His love than in our own securities. May this first day move us to welcome Emmanuel with hearts that are ready, humble, and grateful, allowing His nearness to transform our lives.

Prayer of the day

Lord God, loving Father, as we remember Your promise to send us Emmanuel, awaken in us a firm and joyful hope. Teach us to wait in faith, to open our home and our hearts to You, and to dispose ourselves for conversion. Through this novena, grant us the grace to receive Your Son with sincere love and renewed lives. Amen.

Day 2 · The Annunciation to Mary

Reading

Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’
Luke 1:31

Meditation

Today we look to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who received the word of God in faith and gave herself completely to His will. In her we behold an obedience that is trusting, serene, and generous. The message she received did not remove every difficulty, but it filled her soul with light and meaning. We too hear many voices each day; among them all, we must learn to recognize the voice of the Lord and answer Him with readiness. Mary teaches us that when God calls, He also sustains; when He asks, He also accompanies. In this novena, let us draw near to Our Lady to learn from her silence, her purity of heart, and her prompt surrender. May her example encourage us to say yes to the Lord, even when we do not understand everything, trusting that His will always leads to what is good.

Prayer of the day

Our God, You willed that the coming of Your Son be announced to Mary. Give us docile hearts to hear Your word and do Your will. Holy Mary, Mother of the Lord, teach us to respond with faith and humility. Obtain for us during this novena the grace to receive Jesus with loving obedience and complete trust. Amen.

Day 3 · The Visit to Elizabeth

Reading

For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!
Luke 1:44

Meditation

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth shows us that whoever carries Jesus cannot keep Him only for himself. The presence of the Savior brings joy, awakens faith, and gives life. In this holy meeting, joy springs forth even before words are spoken, because God is already at work in what is hidden. In our family too, the Lord desires to make us bearers of His peace and consolation. When we draw near to one another with charity, patience, and a spirit of service, Christ Himself visits our home. Mary teaches us to go out to meet those in need, not out of obligation, but out of love. Elizabeth teaches us to recognize the work of God with gratitude. On this day, let us ask for a pure and believing joy, born of knowing that the Lord is near and at work among us.

Prayer of the day

Lord, as we contemplate Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, make us instruments of Your joy and peace. May we know how to bring Jesus to others with charity, service, and humility. Blessed Virgin Mary, always lead us to your Son. During this novena, grant us the grace to live in the joy of Your presence in our home. Amen.

Day 4 · Joseph receives the Savior

Reading

She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

Meditation

Today we contemplate Saint Joseph, a just and faithful man, who humbly received the mission of guarding the Redeemer. His greatness lies not in many words, but in his silent and courageous obedience. He welcomed the Child and Mary with a pure heart, trusting in God’s plan even when he did not fully understand it. We too are called to receive Jesus and to let Him save us from sin, from hardness of heart, and from everything that separates us from God. Saint Joseph teaches us to protect what is holy, to fulfill our duties with love, and to walk in faith. In this novena, let us ask to learn from his prudence, his strength, and his self-giving, so that Christ may truly reign in our family.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, our Savior, free us from sin and help us receive You with a pure and obedient heart. Saint Joseph, faithful guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us, that we may welcome Mary and the Child with love and responsibility. During this novena, grant us the grace to live under Your lordship and in true conversion. Amen.

Day 5 · On the way to Bethlehem

Reading

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come out to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times.
Micah 5:2

Meditation

The road to Bethlehem reminds us that God often works through what is small, simple, and scarcely noticed by the world. That humble and nearly forgotten place was chosen for an immense work. So too in our daily lives, amid our tasks, our weariness, and our little duties, the Lord desires to make Himself present. Mary and Joseph go forward in trust, without comforts or human certainty, sustained by the providence of God. We too are on a journey, and many times we do not clearly see where the Lord is leading us. Yet His plan is wise and good. On this day, let us ask for the grace to walk with patience and without discouragement, valuing the humility of each day. God does not despise our littleness; rather, if we offer it to Him, He turns it into a place of encounter with Himself.

Prayer of the day

Holy Father, You chose what is small to reveal the greatness of Your love. Accompany us on our journey and teach us to trust in Your providence. May we, like Mary and Joseph, go forward with humility and perseverance. During this novena, grant us the grace to find You in the simplicity of each day and to follow You faithfully. Amen.

Day 6 · There was no room at the inn

Reading

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7

Meditation

Today we contemplate the tender and sorrowful mystery of a Child received in poverty. There was no room for Him, and yet He chose to come in this way, stripped of earthly honor, so as to draw near to all. This passage moves us to examine our hearts: is there room in us for Jesus? At times noise, haste, selfishness, or anxiety fill the space that God alone should occupy. The manger teaches us the humility of the Lord and calls us to welcome Him sincerely. He does not ask us for greatness, but for a repentant, ready, and loving heart. As a family, we can prepare that place through prayer, forgiveness, and charity. If we open our poverty to the Lord, He fills it with His presence. On this day, let us ask that we may not close the door to the God who comes to save us.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, humble Child of Bethlehem, forgive the times when we have given You no place in our lives. Come into our home, into our poverty and weariness, and teach us to receive You with faith, simplicity, and love. During this novena, grant us the grace to prepare for You a heart that is open, reconciled, and ready. Amen.

Day 7 · Today a Savior is born for you

Reading

For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

Meditation

The message we hear today fills the Church with joy: a Savior has been born for us. This is not only a beautiful memory, but a living truth that changes our lives. Christ comes to rescue us from sin, to reconcile us with God, and to give us a new hope. For this reason Christmas is not merely a passing emotion; it is the coming of the Lord who desires to reign in our lives. Before this announcement, we are invited to receive Him with simple faith, like the poor who know that they need everything from God. We too need to be saved: from our wounds, from our sins, and from the sadness that is born when we live far from the Lord. In this novena, let us renew our joy and our trust. The Savior has come; we are not alone, and His love continues to seek us today.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, our Savior, we thank You because You have come to seek us out and reconcile us to the Father. Renew in us the joy of Your birth and help us live as those who have been touched by Your mercy. During this novena, grant us the grace to receive Your salvation with humble faith and grateful hearts. Amen.

Day 8 · Glory to God in the highest

Reading

“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:14

Meditation

Today we join our voices to the song of heaven, giving glory to God for the gift of His Son. When we acknowledge the greatness of the Lord, our hearts also find peace. True peace does not come only from favorable circumstances, but from living reconciled with God and ready to do His will. The birth of Jesus opens for us a path of good will: to love more, to forgive sincerely, to serve generously, and to seek unity in the family. Praising God does not take us away from daily life; on the contrary, it teaches us to live it with a new spirit. On this day, let us ask that our home may be a place where God is honored and where the peace that comes from Him reigns. May our words, decisions, and affections reflect something of the holy song that announced the coming of the Lord.

Prayer of the day

God of goodness, we give You glory for the birth of Your Son. Fill our home with the peace that comes from heaven, and help us live in goodwill, forgiveness, and charity. May our family praise You in life and in heart. During this novena, grant us the grace to be instruments of Your peace. Amen.

Day 9 · The Word became flesh — Christmas Eve

Reading

The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Meditation

On this Christmas Eve, we contemplate with adoration the immense mystery of God made flesh. The eternal Son has willed to dwell among us, to share our life, and to bring us grace and truth. He comes not as a distant idea or a memory of the past, but as a living presence who enlightens and transforms. Before this mystery, the most fitting response is humble and grateful adoration. God has drawn near to our frailty in order to raise us up and make us children in His Son. May this holy night not pass by our hearts. Let us open our souls, quiet our worries for a little while, and allow Jesus to be born anew in our family life. Where He is received, there is light for the journey, consolation in trial, and strength to walk in holiness. Let us rejoice: God is with us.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, eternal Word of the Father, on this holy Christmas Eve we adore You and thank You because You have chosen to dwell among us. Come into our family, illumine our darkness, and fill us with Your grace and truth. During this novena, grant us the grace to receive You with adoring faith and to remain always united to You. Amen.

Carol of joys

My sweet Jesus, my beloved little Child: come into our souls, come, do not delay!

O highest Wisdom of the sovereign God, You humbly stoop to meet our childlike minds: come and teach us true prudence, come, do not delay!

Come, Divine Shepherd, carry in Your arms the lost and scattered sheep of Your flock: come and give us Your life, come, do not delay!

Help of the weak, refuge of the suffering, comfort of the sorrowing, light of those far from home: come, for already we long for You, come, do not delay!

My sweet Jesus, my beloved little Child: come into our souls, come, do not delay!

Closing prayer

Remember, O sweetest Child Jesus, that You said to the venerable Margaret of the Blessed Sacrament that all who call upon Your Holy Childhood will find comfort in their needs. Filled with confidence in You, we come to present our petition. Grant us the grace we ask of You, and above all, be born anew in our hearts. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Christmas Novena begin?

It begins on December 16 and ends on December 24, Christmas Eve. Nine nights in a row, one per day.

Is the Christmas Novena the same as the Novena de Aguinaldos?

Yes. “Novena de Aguinaldos” is the traditional name in Colombia and other countries; elsewhere it is simply the Christmas Novena or the novena to the Child Jesus. The structure is the same: opening prayer, reading, meditation, prayer of the day, joys and closing prayer.

What is the carol of joys?

A short song repeated at the end of each night, with the refrain “Come to our souls, come, do not delay!” It can be sung or simply read aloud; children love to lead the refrain.

Can it be prayed with small children?

It is the ideal novena for them. Each night takes about ten minutes; with the youngest you can read only the reading, the prayer of the day and the joys. In the Cordeo app it is narrated so you can listen together.

Other prayers

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, in the public domain.