First Night of Chanukah Blessings

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who made us holy through Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah lights. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Praise You Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Son of God, Love's Pure Light,* Whose greatest Commandment is to Love, and Whom John testified is the Light of the world.** Blessed are you, Mary, Queen of our hearts, Mother of Israel's Hope,*** who blessed us with your Son to help us be holy, allowing your home to become like a menorah centered in Jesus, the Shamash. Blessed are you, Joseph, Light of the patriarchs, Foster-father of Jesus, who taught Jesus (the Son of God!) how to pray, and who with the Holy Family did kindle the Chanukah lights. Blessed are you -- yes you! A child of God our Father, you are loved! Contemplate the miracle of Chanukah with the Holy Family, and Jesus our Shamash kindling in your heart the Light of the world. (*Silent Night lyrics **John 1 ***Mother Miriam of the Lamb of God's religious order's title)