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Jesus would have been very familiar with worship in the home, which would usually have been led by Mary. So we are very close to him in praying this way.
Someone will need to lead as she did, by saying the parts in italics. It is a guideline and can be adapted as you wish. Some carols are suggested, but you may prefer other ones.
A Christmas at Home Service
A way of celebrating Christmas at home, either alone or with others.
Sing or say:
Wait for The Lord, his day is near.
Wait for the Lord, be strong.
Take heart.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate this happy day by asking God to forgive us the wrong things we have done. (Allow about a minute of silence)
Say:
Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth on those whom God loves.
Now read / listen to the Gospel of Christmas Night mass that tells the story of the birth of Jesus.
(Luke 2:1-14)
Now it happened that at this time Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be made of the whole inhabited world. This census - the first - took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee for Judaea, to David's town called Bethlehem, since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
Now it happened that, while they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the living-space.
In the countryside close by there were shepherds out in the fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, 'Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.'
And all at once with the angel there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.
Spend a few moments reflecting on this passage.
Sing / listen to: Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the 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 Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.
Say a blessing prayer:
Ask God to bless those who we know who need his help, especially just now.
Each person can say a name whilst all pause in silent prayer after each name.
Offer gifts before the home crib:
Each person offers their individual gift to Jesus.
Offer a sign of peace to each other.
Once more in silence we listen for Jesus coming into our hearts and pray the following:
I wish my Lord to receive you with the purity, humility and devotion with which your most Holy Mother Mary received you.
Come Lord Jesus!
Conclude by with carols:
Silent Night
O Come All Ye Faithful