“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). We are all sinners. Even in our struggle against sin, we often find ourselves falling again and again. But one thing is for sure; God’s mercy never ceases to flow because He knows and understands the weakness of our flesh. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Heb 4:15).
He is a loving Father who never condemns us but awaits everyone of us with outstretched hands whenever we go astray.
As you acknowledge your sins, you should feel deeply contrite and remorseful for them. The season of Christmas is a good time to retrace your steps by seeking Christ’s forgiveness. This prayer is coined from the book of Psalm 51:2-4, 25:6-8 and the Litany to the infant Jesus:
“Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge”
Litany to the Infant Jesus
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Infant, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Infant, true God, have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Infant, strong in weakness, have mercy on us.
Infant, powerful in tenderness, have mercy on us.
Infant, Treasure of grace, have mercy on us.
Infant, Fountain of love, have mercy on us.
Infant, Renewer of the heavens, have mercy on us.
Infant, Repairer of the evils of the earth, have mercy on us.
Infant, Head of the angels, have mercy on us.
Infant, Root of the patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Infant, Speech of the prophets, have mercy on us.
Infant, Desire of the Gentiles, have mercy on us.
Infant, Joy of shepherds, have mercy on us.
Infant, Light of the Magi, have mercy on us.
Infant, Salvation of infants, have mercy on us.
Infant, Expectation of the just, have mercy on us.
Infant, Instructor of the wise, have mercy on us.
Infant, First-fruit of all saints, have mercy on us.
Be merciful, spare us, O Infant Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.
From the slavery of the children of Adam, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the slavery of the devil, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the evil desires of the flesh, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the malice of the world, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the pride of life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the inordinate desire of knowing, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From blindness of spirit, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From an evil will, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From our sins, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most pure Conception, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most humble Nativity, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy tears, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most painful Circumcision, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most glorious Epiphany, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most pious Presentation, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most divine life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy poverty, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy many sufferings, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy labors and travels, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Infant, hear us. Jesus, Infant, graciously hear us.
“Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love, remember me. For you, Lord, are good.
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, he instructs sinners in his ways. Amen”.