In Colombia, the Novena de Aguinaldos, a cherished Advent tradition, begins annually on December 16 and continues through December 24. In 2025, families, parishes, and communities will commence this devout practice on Tuesday, December 16. This celebration involves prayers and reflections centered on the coming of Christmas.
Complete Prayers and Carols for 2025 Novena Day 1
The Archdiocese of Bogotá has released the official version of the Novena for 2025, maintaining the traditional structure attributed to Father Fernando de Jesús Larrea, whose texts have been recited since the 18th century. The focus for Day 1 includes specific prayers and reflective messages.
Opening Prayer
- Almighty God, of infinite love, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary.
- In gratitude, we offer our humility and virtues, praying for our hearts to be ready for His arrival.
- The prayer includes a recitation of “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit” three times.
Reflection for Day 1
As we begin this novena in preparation for Christmas, we reflect on the Gospel reading for the day. The parable shared by Jesus highlights our responsiveness to God’s calls and the choices we make.
Jesus speaks of two sons: one who initially refuses to obey but eventually repents and acts, and the other who professes willingness but fails to follow through. This highlights the importance of genuine commitment and active faith.
Call to Action
This novena invites us to transform our good intentions into actions. We are called to embody the teachings of Christ by working towards justice, peace, and care for creation. Our hope should inspire us to engage actively in building God’s kingdom.
Prayers to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph
Accompanying the main prayer, faithful participants are encouraged to recite:
- Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking for her assistance in preparing our souls for the divine birth.
- Prayer to St. Joseph, expressing gratitude for his role and seeking his intercession for a deeper love of the Child Jesus.
Carols to Celebrate
For the first day of the Novena, one popular carol is “Tutaina,” widely sung in community gatherings. This festive song fosters collective participation and usually concludes the daily prayers.
By embracing these prayers, reflections, and songs, participants can enrich their experience during this sacred time leading up to Christmas 2025.
