Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah,
for out of you will come a leader
who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward, and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.

(Matthew 2:1–12) 

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning ‘manifestation’ or ‘revelation’. In Matthew’s Gospel, this episode is the first public manifestation of Jesus.
• Herod the Great ruled only because Rome allowed it. He was not Jewish (his mother was not Jewish), but he had married into the royal family. He would have been very afraid of a possible rival to his claim to the throne.
• This text again mentions that Jesus was born at home in Joseph’s house in Bethlehem. The family only relocated to Nazareth after having fled to Egypt to escape the threat from Herod to the child’s safety.
• The ‘wise men’ were probably magi or astrologers from Persia and represent all those who seek God with a sincere heart.
• The gifts of the magi are of great value—gifts fit for a king!

Exploring the Word

The key to understanding this highly symbolic gospel lies in the response to Jesus of the various actors. The wise men are not of the house of Israel; they are foreigners from the East. And yet it is they who recognise the signs and embark on a journey to find the newborn king and worship him. The opposite response comes from the very people who should know better. Herod, the King of the Jews, and the chief priests and scribes, the interpreters of Scripture, have not seen what is there before them and, when they do come to understand, seek only to do harm to Jesus. This is the first hint of the harm that will ultimately come to him from similar characters much later in his life. They are not open to the revelation of God in this child.

Imagine the disappointment the wise men must have felt when they find a poor child born in a simple house instead of a mighty king. But they are open to the revelation of God and bow down before him. The expensive gifts of the wise men are highly symbolic: gold was presented to kings, frankincense was offered to God, and myrrh used in anointing for burial. Thus they refer to the kingship of Jesus, his divinity and his salvific death.

• In what ways do you recognise the divine in the ordinary?
• How long have you been on your journey, and how much progress have you made?
• What keeps leading you on?
• What new road have you taken, and where do you hope it leads you?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• What is leading your journey towards Jesus?
• What gifts do you bring to Jesus?
• ‘The sight of the star filled them with delight.’ Share your own stories of times of pure delight in your life.
• Spend time this week reflecting on the new road you have taken? How has it changed the way you act or think?
• Use today’s gospel acclamation as your prayer this week:
  Alleluia, alleluia!
  We have seen his star in the East;
  and have come to adore the Lord.
  Alleluia!

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The feast of the Epiphany came to be celebrated about the fourth century and has always been a very important feast, especially in the Eastern churches. For the early church, one of the biggest problems they faced was the realisation that even those who were not Jewish were invited to faith in Jesus as Lord. Even though his roots were in Judaism, Jesus is of significance to all people who seek the truth.

• You could give some background to Matthew’s predominantly Jewish community and their struggle with admitting Gentiles.
• You could read the passages in Acts that deal with this controversy and its resolution (Acts chapters 10–11, 15).
• You could discuss some groups of the present day who feel alienated or unwelcome within the Church. Some sensitivity may be needed.

Symbols and images

The wise men were warned in a dream not to return the same way. They did not backtrack but took a new road in life after their encounter with the Christ Child. The magi are Gentiles, not Jews. Matthew is alerting his community to the truth that the Gospel is for all people who acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• What ministries of welcome are there in your parish? How might catechumens become involved?
• It may be appropriate to pray today at the crib. You could process there singing ‘O come, all ye faithful’ (GA 287). Pray that all people may be open to the revelation of God in the world and in their lives. Pray for each other. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97G. 

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

[Here we use the gospel reading for Midnight Mass.]

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census—the first—took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace to those who enjoy his favour.’

(Luke 2:1–14)

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• Luke’s Gospel is sometimes referred to as the ‘gospel of joy’ because this theme of rejoicing and joy is often repeated.
• Caesar Augustus ruled the Roman Empire from 27 bc to ad 14. He was the great nephew of Julius Caesar.
• A Roman census was usually undertaken for purposes of taxation but also at times for other ends, such as conscription or forced labour.
• A problem of timing exists within this text. Most scholars agree that Jesus was born about 6 bc in the reign of Herod the Great. However, Quirinius was not appointed as governor of Syria until about eleven years later. After his appointment, he did in fact supervise a census of the region.
• Luke goes to great pains in this text to situate Jesus’ birth in the historical world of the time. 

Exploring the Word

The gospel reading for the Midnight Mass is Luke’s brief but profound description of the birth of Jesus. Only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke give any information on this remarkable event, and both represent the unfolding of christological understandings over time. It is likely that Luke uses the device of the census to explain why Mary and Joseph are in Bethlehem, the predicted birthplace of the Messiah, when it is common knowledge that Jesus came from Nazareth. At the centre of Luke’s story is the proclamation of the birth to the shepherds in the fields and their reaction to it. (In Matthew, the proclamation comes to the Gentile magi or wise men.) At the time, shepherds were regarded as among the lowest of the population. They did not have a good reputation and were not to be trusted! But it is to these, not the high and mighty of the land, that God chooses to announce the birth of the saviour. In the continuation of the text, the shepherds are shown as accepting the proclamation and going ‘with haste’ to Bethlehem to ‘see the thing that has taken place.’ They are not checking the veracity of the angel’s story but believe it implicitly. Their response is immediate. They return to their fields ‘glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, as it had been told them.’ Their response to the coming of the Messiah is wholehearted!

• How strong is your belief in all that has been told to you?
• In what ways do you glorify and praise God?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• ‘I have good news of great joy.’ What is your greatest joy at this point in your life?
• What difference does the birth of this child make to you?
• Share together your reminiscences of past Christmases. What have been the most important parts of celebrating this special feast? Has there been a shift in your understanding of the meaning of Christmas since you began your journey?
• Give nourishment to others this week—not just food but a sense of their value to you.
• Use the gospel acclamation this week:
  Alleluia, Alleluia!
  Good News and great joy to all the world:
  today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord.
  Alleluia!

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The birth of Christ is celebrated on this date not because we know it to be the actual birth date of Jesus, but because, in the northern hemisphere, 25 December marks the lengthening of daylight after the winter solstice. This was celebrated as a pagan feast in honour of the ‘unconquered sun’ but came to mark the Christian festival of the birth of the ‘light of the world’.

• Discuss some of the traditions associated with Christmas—for example, the crib popularised by St Francis of Assisi, or the Christmas tree.
• Are there particular ethnic traditions that are celebrated by members of the group?
• Are there particular traditions in your own community celebration?
• Emphasise that this day is not the end of the celebration but the beginning of ‘Christmastide’, during which we continue to celebrate the birth and revelation of who Christ is.

Symbols and images

A manger was a feeding trough used by animals. Into this is laid the newborn child who is destined to become food and nourishment for all humankind. How are you nourished by knowing this child?

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• How does your community celebrate this great feast? How will catechumens celebrate the day? Can you celebrate together?
• Use the candle-lighting ritual and light the last of the Advent candles on your wreath. Pray especially for those who will celebrate Christmas alone. Any of the popular Christmas carols could be sung. You could incorporate a small gift-giving ritual for catechumens. Conclude with the prayer of blessing in RCIA at §97I.

Entrance

• Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
• Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
• Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
• God has chosen me (Farrell)—AOV1 21, CWBII 495, G 761, GA 497 
• O come and sing to God, the Lord—CWB 761, CWBII 175
• Praise God from whom all blessings flow—AOV1 10, CWB 788, CWBII 394, GA 384
• Tree of life (Haugen)—CWBII 300, G 475, GA 307

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 111 (112): A light rises in the darkness for the upright (Briggs)—CWB 361
• Psalm 111 (112): A light rises in the darkness for the upright (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Haugen)—G 75, DD (GIA)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Willcock)—GA 61, PFS 56
• Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58

Gospel acclamation

John 8:12

Alleluia, Alleluia!
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
the man who follows me will have the light of life.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• Christ Light, shining in the darkness—CWBII 468
• I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
• Lord, whose love in humble service—CWB 741, CWBII 551, G 764
• O blessed are the poor in spirit—CWBII 563

Communion

• Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
• Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
• Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
• The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• Christ is the world’s light—CWB 643, CWBII 467
• Praise God from whom all blessings flow—AOV1 10, CWB 788, CWBII 394, GA 384
• Praise the Lord—CWB 790, CWBII 583, GA 409
• Shine, Jesus, shine!—AOV2 59, CWBII 550

Sending forth 

• Bring forth the kingdom—AOV2 4, CWBII 647, G 734, GA 478
• City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
• Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
• Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407 
• Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377

Entrance

• Christ be beside me—CWBII 463
• Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
• Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—AOV2 132, CWB 792, CWBII 586, G 616, GA 421
• Seek, O seek the Lord—CWB 802, CWBII 595, GA 211

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 145 (146): Happy the Poor in Spirit (Porter)—G 139
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Haugen)—G 75, DD (GIA)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Willcock)—GA 61, PFS 56
• Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58

Gospel acclamation

Matthew 5:12

Alleluia, alleluia!
Rejoice and be glad;
your reward will be great in heaven.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489
• For the healing of the nations—G 803, GA 513, DD (GIA)
• O blessed are the poor in spirit—CWBII 563
• Seek ye first—AOV1 48, CWBII 594, GA 456, G 658 

Communion

• A Touching Place—GA 469
• Be not afraid (Dufford)—AOV1 114, CWBII 653, G 683, GA 449
• Jesus, you are bread for us—AOV1 42, CWBII 116
• My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
• My soul is longing for your peace—CWB 751, CWBII 559, GA 519 
• Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
• The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
• We have no other boast—CWBII 502, GA 491

Sending forth 

• Christ be near us—AOVNG 21
• Go make a difference—AOVNG 52, DD (OCP)
• In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
• The kingdom of God—CWBII 616, G 736

Entrance

• Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
• City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
• Galilee Song—AOV1 5
• Gather as one—AOVNG 48
• Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
• I heard the voice of Jesus say—AOV1 54, CWBII 512, G 724, GA 468
• In Christ there is no east or west—CWBII 519, G 832

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Ancell)—GA 27
• Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Willcock)—CWBII 481 (refrain 2), GA 28 (refrain II), PFS 40
• Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58

Gospel acclamation

Matthew 4:23

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom
and healed all who were sick.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• A new commandment—CWB 615, CWBII 443, GA 318
• All creatures of our God and King—CWB 618, CWBII 446, G 611, GA 395
• All creatures of our God and King (arr. Rick Modlin)—DD (OCP)
• Christ Light, shining in the darkness—CWBII 468
• Christians, let us love one another—CWB 648, CWBII 469, GA 206
• The Summons—CWBII 645, G 790, GA 502
• You walk along our shoreline—CWBII 653

Communion

• Do not be afraid/The Lord is my light—AOV2 73, CWBII 481, GA 28, PFS 40
• Here I am, Lord—AOV1 90, CWBII 518, G 777, GA 496
• One body in Christ—AOVNG 102
• One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193
• Seed, scattered and sown—CWBII 592, GA 195
• Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
• Where there is charity and love—CWB 863, CWBII 638, GA 323

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all or sending forth 

• A Blessing Hymn for Australia—CWBII 655, DD (Marist Music, free)
• Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
• City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
• Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
• The Great Southland—AOV2 159
• Word of God, come down on earth—CWBII 644

Entrance

• All are welcome—CWBII 535, G 850
• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All you nations, sing out your joy—CWB 616, CWBII 347, GA 353
• Baptised in water—G 903, GA 179, CWBII 99
• Celebrate—AOV1 44
• Christ is the world’s light—CWB 643, CWBII 467
• Come down, O Love divine—AOV1 118, CWB 653, CWBII 381, G 556, GA 375
• Come to the water (Andersen)—AOV1 74, CWBII 473, GA 403
• Come to the water (Foley)—AOVNG 34, G 584, GA 403
• Send down the fire—AOV2 164, CWBII 389, GA 475, G 557

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 39 (40): Here I am, Lord (Boschetti)—CWB 352
• Psalm 39 (40): Here I am (Alonso)—G 48, DD (GIA)
• Psalm 39 (40): Here I am (Cooney)—G 49
• Psalm 39 (40): Here I am (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Thomas)—GA 21
• Common Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Willcock)—PFS 38
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Haugen)—G 75, DD (GIA)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
• Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Willcock)—GA 61, PFS 56

Gospel acclamation

John 1:14–12

Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
He enabled those who accepted him
to become the children of God.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• Behold, I make all things new—AOV2 85
• O breathe on me, O breath of God—CWB 758, CWBII 564, G 902, GA 432
• Open my eyes—AOV1 166, CWBII 582, G 651
• Servant Song—AOV2 169, CWBII 461, G 751, GA 487

Communion

• Come to the water (Andersen)—AOV1 74, CWBII 473, GA 403
• Come to the water (Foley)—AOVNG 34, G 584, GA 403
• Here I am, Lord—AOV1 90, CWBII 518, G 777, GA 496
• Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
• Take and eat (Joncas)—CWBII 608, G 950, GA 198

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• Holy Spirit, come now (Manibusan)—AOVNG 68
• Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
• My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
• My witness you’ll be—AOVNG 98
• Send out your Spirit (Manibusan)—DD (OCP)

Sending forth 

• Lift up your hearts—CWBII 539, GA 416
• Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407 
• The voice of God—CWB 835, CWBII 621, GA 476
• Thus says the Lord of hosts—CWBII 629

Entrance

• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
• Epiphany Carol (O’Brien, BEACH SPRING)—G 462, DD (GIA)
• Hail to the Lord’s Anointed—CWBII 277
• O come, all ye faithful—AOV1 167, CWB 760, CWBII 267, G 439, GA 287
• Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
• Song for Epiphany—CWBII 278, GA 300
• The first Nowell—AOV1 169, CWB 822, CWBII 280, G 460, GA 298
• The God of all grace (Manolo)—DD (OCP)

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time) 

• Psalm 71 (72): Every nation on earth (Joncas)—G 60
• Psalm 71 (72): Lord, every nation on earth (Willcock)—CWB 196, PFS 10

Gospel acclamation

Matthew 2:2

Alleluia, Alleluia! 
We have seen his star in the East; 
and have come to adore the Lord. 
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• A child is born in Bethlehem—CWB 612
• Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
• Baby lying in a manger—CWBII 257
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• Follow that wondrous star—DD (Sheetmusic Plus)
• He came down—GA 293
• Like a child rests—AOV1 85
• Behold, a rose e’er blooming—CWBII 258, G 451
• Born in the night—AOV2 101
• We three kings—CWBII 281, GA 299, G 463
• What child is this—AOV1 165, CWBII 275, G 466

Communion

• Bread of life (Stephan)—DD (OCP)
• Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
• Bread of life—AOVNG 15
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• The God of all grace (Manolo)—DD (OCP)

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all) or sending forth 

• All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
• Epiphany Carol (O’Brien, BEACH SPRING)—G 462, DD (GIA)
• Good Christians all, rejoice—CWB 697, CWBII 261, G 440
• Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
• Love has come (Maher)—DD (OCP)
• Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
• Sing a new song unto the Lord—AOV1 80, CWBII 598, GA 414
• Songs of thankfulness and praise—CWBII 279

Entrance

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
• O come, all ye faithful—AOV1 167, CWB 760, CWBII 267, G 439, GA 287
• O little town of Bethlehem—CWB 772, CWBII 266, G 446, GA 296
• Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
• Once in royal David’s city—CWB 782, CWBII 269, G 455, GA 297 

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time) 

• Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Roff)—CWB 185
• Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Willcock)—PFS 6

Gospel acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia!
A hallowed day has dawned upon us.
Come, you nations, worship the Lord,
for today a great light has shone down upon the earth.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
• Baby lying in a manger—CWBII 257
• Born in the night—AOV2 101
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• He came down—GA 293
• I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
• Like a child rests—AOV1 85
• Peace child (Glover)—DD (GIA)
• Rise up, shepherd, and follow—G 453
• What child is this—AOV1 165, CWBII 275, G 466

Communion

• Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• Night of silence—G 442, DD (GIA)
• Silent night—AOV1 168, CWB 803, CWBII 270, G 441, GA 290

Sending forth 

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Hark! The herald angels sing—AOV1 171, CWB 704, CWBII 262, GA 294
• Joy to the world—AOV1 170, CWB 728, CWBII 265, G 437, GA 295
• Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
• Love has come (Maher)—DD (OCP)

Presider

God’s love draws us and encourages us to become a people of prayer for a fuller life in the Spirit.

Reader

We pray for Pope Leo and all the bishops of the Church. May they continue to lead by the light that is the Good News of Christ’s Gospel.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who make our laws and administer justice. May those who work for the displaced and refugees of our world find guidance in the meaning of today’s feast, that God reaches out to all people.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who face new beginnings in the year ahead—students choosing courses of study, those seeking employment, couples preparing for marriage, widows and widowers now alone. May they be strengthened by the Spirit and guided by Christ’s message in the gospels.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all of us who have been baptised into Christ’s Body, the Church. May we always be faithful to the teachings of Jesus.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for …

Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who united himself with the Lord’s Passion and Cross. 
Through death, may he may come to share in the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection. 

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick of our parish and for those who care for them.
We pray for the recently departed and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now share the eternal life promised to us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

As your people, O God, you have called us to a stewardship of prayer. These prayers we entrust to you today, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Presider

Today we celebrate the light of God come into the world. We pray that this light will bring peace, healing and justice to our world.

Reader

We pray for the needs of the Church. May the message of hope and inspiration we celebrate in Jesus’ birth go out to all nations.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for justice in our world. As we rejoice in the birth of our Saviour, let us strive to live as he did, reaching out to and welcoming all those in need.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all families during this Christmas season. May we experience the love and rejoicing of the first Christmas and remember to share our gift of family with those not so blessed.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray that the holiday season will be a time of peace and relaxation for us all, and that we will be safeguarded in our travels.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for …

Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May their family and friends be comforted in the knowledge that they now share in the banquet of heaven promised to them.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

Loving Father, receive these prayers that come to you today. Bless and strengthen us, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.