Originally published November 30, 2016. Revised October 3, 2026.
The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a traditional Advent devotion prayed from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve. It is also known as the Christmas Anticipation Prayer.
Unlike an ordinary nine-day novena, this devotion lasts twenty-five days. Traditionally, Catholics recite the short prayer fifteen times each day while preparing their hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena Prayer
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.
In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.
After the prayer, quietly place your intention before God. Ask with confidence while remaining open to His wisdom and providence.
How to Pray the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena
Begin on November 30 and continue through December 24.
- Make the Sign of the Cross.
- Call to mind the mystery of Christ’s birth.
- Recite the Christmas Anticipation Prayer.
- Present your intention to God.
- Repeat the prayer fifteen times during the day.
- Conclude by thanking God and entrusting the outcome to Him.
The fifteen repetitions may be prayed together or spread throughout the day. For example, you might pray five repetitions in the morning, five at midday, and five in the evening.
The purpose is not to race through the words. Each repetition is an opportunity to pause and contemplate the Incarnation: the eternal Son of God becoming man for our salvation.
Why Is It Called the Christmas Anticipation Prayer?
The prayer places us spiritually at Bethlehem. It invites us to anticipate the moment when the Blessed Virgin Mary first held the Christ Child and the world received its Savior.
Its references to midnight and piercing cold belong to the prayer’s traditional devotional imagery. They should not be treated as historical details established by Scripture.
The prayer helps turn Advent anticipation away from shopping and activity and toward Jesus. Those seeking a broader preparation for the season may also pray our Advent Prayer and explore our collection of Christmas Prayers.
Why Is It Called a Novena If It Lasts Twenty-Five Days?
The word novena ordinarily refers to nine days of prayer. The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is different because it is prayed throughout most of Advent—from Saint Andrew’s feast until Christmas Eve.
The name has nevertheless remained attached to the devotion through Catholic custom. Its repeated daily prayer creates a sustained period of spiritual preparation similar to that of other novenas.
Does the Prayer Guarantee That My Request Will Be Granted?
Some versions of this devotion claim that a person who recites the prayer fifteen times daily will obtain the favor requested. That promise should not be understood as a guarantee from the Church.
Prayer is not a mechanism for controlling God or obligating Him to give us a particular result. We may confidently ask for what we need, but Christian petition always includes trust in God’s wisdom and surrender to His will.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2734–2737, teaches that our filial trust is tested when a petition appears unanswered. God calls us to persevere, to examine what we are asking, and to trust that He hears us even when His answer differs from the one we expected.
The number of repetitions can encourage faithfulness and recollection, but the fruit of the devotion comes from grace, sincere prayer, and growing union with Christ—not from completing a formula perfectly.
Why Begin on the Feast of Saint Andrew?
Saint Andrew was among the first disciples to follow Jesus. He then brought his brother Simon Peter to the Lord. Later, when a crowd needed food, Andrew brought forward the boy who had five barley loaves and two fish. These events are recounted in John 1:35–42 and John 6:8–9.
His example teaches us to respond when Christ calls and to bring other people to Him.
Beginning this Advent devotion on Saint Andrew’s feast therefore carries a fitting lesson: welcome Christ, follow Him promptly, and help others encounter Him.
Men wondering whether Christ may be calling them to serve as a friar or Franciscan brother can learn more through Discern Your Vocation.
What If I Miss a Day or Forget Some Repetitions?
Simply resume the devotion when you remember. This is a private devotion, not an obligation binding under sin. Missing a day does not make the prayer useless or require you to begin again.
God desires a faithful and trusting heart, not anxiety over counting. If fifteen repetitions become difficult because of illness, work, or family responsibilities, pray as faithfully as your circumstances allow.
May I Pray for More Than One Intention?
Yes. You may offer the devotion for one intention, several intentions, another person, or the needs of the Church and the world.
You may also submit an intention through our Prayer Requests page so that the Franciscan Brothers may remember it in prayer.
Preparing a Place for Christ
The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is ultimately much more than a request for a favor. It is a daily invitation to stop, remember Bethlehem, and prepare a place for Jesus.
As Christmas approaches, allow its words to deepen your gratitude for the mystery of the Incarnation. The Child born of Mary is the eternal Son of God, who entered our poverty so that we might share His divine life.
May this Advent devotion lead you to receive Him with the readiness of Saint Andrew, the faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a heart filled with hope.