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    Additional Short Prefaces  
     
    Incarnation
    And now we give you thanks
    because in coming to dwell among us as man,
    he revealed the radiance of your glory
    and brought us out of darkness
          into your own marvellous light.
     
    Holy Family
    And now we give you thanks
    because in his earthly childhood
          you entrusted him to the care of a human family.
    In Mary and Joseph you give us an example
          of love and devotion to him
    and also a pattern of family life.
     
    Blessed Virgin Mary
    And now we give you thanks
    because in choosing the blessed Virgin Mary
          to be the mother of your Son
    you have exalted the humble and meek.
    Your angel hailed her as most highly favoured;
    with all generations we call her blessed
    and with her we rejoice and magnify your holy name.
     
    This Preface can also be used on 31 May, 15 August, 8 September and 8 December.
     
    Additional Blessings  
     
    Simple Blessing
    May the joy of the angels,
    the eagerness of the shepherds,
    the perseverance of the wise men,
    the obedience of Joseph and Mary,
    and the peace of the Christ child
    be yours this Christmas;
    and the blessing of God almighty,
    the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
    be among you and remain with you always.
All
  Amen.
     
    Solemn Blessing
    May the Father,
    who has loved the eternal Son
    from before the foundation of the world,
    shed that love upon you his children. 
All
  Amen.
     
    May Christ,
    who by his incarnation gathered into one
    things earthly and heavenly,
    fill you with joy and peace. 
All
  Amen.
     
    May the Holy Spirit,
    by whose overshadowing Mary became the God-bearer,
    give you grace to carry the good news of Christ. 
All
  Amen.
     
    And the blessing of God almighty,
    the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
    be among you and remain with you always.
All
  Amen.
     
© The Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, 2000-2004
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