When the tree has been prepared, the household gathers around it. All
make the sign of the cross.

The leader begins:
Blessed be the name of the lord.

All respond:
Now and for ever.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
This tree is a blessing to our home. It reminds us of all that is
beautiful, all that is filled with the gentleness and the promise of
God. It stands in our midst as a tree of light that we might promise
such beauty to one another and to our world. It stands like that tree
of paradise that God made into the tree of life, the cross of Jesus.

Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the apostle Paul to Titus (3:4-7).

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But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared,
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not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his
mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy
Spirit,
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whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior,
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so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope
of eternal life.

The Word of the Lord.

All respond:
Thanks be to God.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in
the Lord's Prayer.

Then the leader invites:
Let us now pray for God's blessing upon all who gather around this tree.

After a short silence, the leader prays:
God of all creation, we praise you for this tree, which brings beauty
and memories and the promise of life to our home. May your blessing
be upon all who gather around this tree, all who keep the Christmas
festival by its lights. We wait for the coming of the Christ, the
days of everlasting justice and of peace. You are our God, living and
reigning, for ever and ever.

All respond:
Amen.

The lights of the tree are then illuminated.

The leader says:
Let us bless the Lord.

All respond, making the sign of the cross:
Thanks be to God.