Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:
A voice cries in the wilderness
Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his paths straight.
This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father,” because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’
(Matthew 3:1–12)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- Luke’s Gospel suggests that John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins, but there is no hint of this in Matthew.
- John the Baptist was not alone in his criticism and rejection of the soft religious life in the cities of Palestine. There were others, too, who withdrew from what they saw as the corruption of the temple cult and retreated to the desert to live a life of prayer and asceticism. The best known of these groups were the Essenes of the Dead Sea region. It is likely that John was in some way associated with them.
- The Essenes established a community at Qumran on the shores of the Dead Sea. It was this community that left the wonderful legacy of the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 1940s. These scrolls have proven invaluable to scholars in throwing light on the religious practices of the day.
- Advent is a time in which we too are invited to withdraw a little in prayer and contemplation.
Exploring the Word
During Advent in Year A, the first reading always comes from the prophet Isaiah. It is useful to pay particular attention to his voice, noticing the development of the vision and images he puts before us relating to the meaning of Jesus for the Church and the world. In last week’s reading, Isaiah sees what is to come: the nations assembling, surrendering to the Lord, laying down the weapons of war, beating them into the useful tools of farming and peaceful life. Today, Isaiah describes the qualities of the Spirit of the Lord and the just judgments this brings, resulting in a world of no conflict. In next week’s text, Isaiah describes the glorious and triumphant coming of the Lord and the healing of all that is broken. In the final week of Advent, Isaiah speaks of the maiden who will conceive and give birth to one who is ‘God-is-with-us’.
- Explore together these readings from Isaiah and the idyllic, joyous and triumphant world they depict.
- In what ways are these readings a reflection of the kingdom of heaven that the Baptist says is near at hand?
- What insights does Isaiah offer to the Church for our understanding of the mission and ministry of Jesus?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- In what ways are you preparing a way for the Lord to come into your life at Christmas and at baptism?
- What ‘good fruit’ have you produced so far in your life?
- Recall some occasions when you were very conscious that you had produced ‘good fruit’ or done something really well. Have there also been occasions when you failed in such a task or were found wanting, when you knew you could have done better? Share your reflections.
- Withdraw a little this week from the hectic celebrations of Christmas cheer and concentrate instead on waiting and prayerfully preparing for what is to come. Give thought to the real meaning of Christmas and contemplate what the ‘advent’ of Christ meant to the world.
- Use today’s gospel acclamation as your prayer this week:
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
all people shall see the salvation of God. 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
- A prophet is one who speaks for God in a particular time and to a particular society. A prophet is not one who sees into the future but, rather, looks critically at the present reality and reads the ‘signs of the times’. Discuss what this notion means.
- Isaiah was one of the great prophets of the biblical tradition. Give some historical background to the book of Isaiah and the message it presented to the people of the time.
- Introduce some of the other major prophets of Israel and discuss their role in calling the people back their obligations under the covenant.
- Discuss who the ‘modern prophets’ may be today and how their message is received?
Symbols and images
The Baptist’s words are a call to a new beginning, a realignment of the road we are taking. We are reminded that the kingdom of God is close at hand and that to be a part of the kingdom, we must produce good fruit or be judged unworthy.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- What special actions of preparation for the coming of Jesus are offered in your faith community? Are there ways that catechumens can be invited to participate in those preparations? Does the community make any special efforts to combat loneliness or isolation in the lead-up to Christmas?
- Use the Advent wreath as a focus for prayer again. Pray for all those who need to hear the word of God in their lives. You could sing ‘Prepare the way’ (GA 284). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in RCIA at §97C.
Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.
‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’
(Matthew 24:37–44)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- Advent is a four week season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The word ‘advent’ means coming. Advent takes up this theme in looking forward to the coming of Christ at Christmas, and especially in looking towards the future coming of Christ at the end times.
- The early church believed that the second coming of Christ—the Parousia—was imminent. It could happen at any moment.
- The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year.
- This is Year A of the liturgical calendar, during which the Lectionary readings come predominantly from the Gospel of Matthew.
Exploring the Word
Matthew’s Gospel is written for a mostly Jewish audience who had converted to Christianity. Because of this Jewish background, Matthew often uses images and incidents from the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament, with which his community were very familiar. For Matthew, Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of old, and the Messiah who has long been awaited.
In this text, Jesus twice uses the title ‘Son of Man’ to describe himself. It is an ambiguous term because it can simply mean a human being but is also used in the Hebrew Scriptures to refer to the one who will be judge and saviour of all.
- Explore how the term ‘Son of Man’ is an apt one for Jesus to use of himself.
- This text points to the early church’s belief that the end times—the second and final coming of Christ—were imminent and that believers should be ready at all times for this unexpected event.
- Explain how this expectation arose and was later modified in the early church. How can we live in expectation today? What does that mean for followers of Christ?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- How do you cope when the unexpected occurs in your life?
- In what ways are you ‘alert to life’?
- Exchange some memories of unexpected events in your life that took you completely by surprise. How did you cope? What did you do? You could contrast this by sharing stories of an occasion when you spent a great deal of time and energy in preparing for something that you knew was coming. How did it feel when the long-awaited event finally arrived? Was the preparation useful?
- Be alert and watchful for the needs of others this week, and be ready to respond to those needs. Rejoice in the unexpected.
- One of the prayers of the early church that is linked with this season of waiting and longing is the Aramaic word Maranatha, which means ‘Come Lord.’ Use this prayer as a mantra this week.
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 celebration of a feast to honour the birth of Jesus did not emerge in the West until the fourth century. Scholars generally note that by ad 336, such a feast was in place and celebrated in Rome on 25 December. This comparatively late development of a feast to celebrate the birth of Christ may seem surprising to contemporary Christians, for whom Christmas is so central. However, we must remember that the earliest Christians expected the glorious return of Christ in their own lifetimes. It was only with time and an obvious delay to the Second Coming that such a feast could emerge. Furthermore, time provided the opportunity for a greater and more mature theological reflection on the mysteries of the incarnation and the Second Coming.
Advent, as a period of preparation for the feast of Christmas, developed later still. There is no evidence of such a preparatory time in Rome until well into the sixth century. It was Pope Gregory the Great (ad 590–604) who established a four-week liturgical preparation for Christmas, but the eschatological (end-time) themes of the Second Coming were not established until the Middle Ages.
- You could discuss the liturgical symbols and colours of Advent and some of the ways that Christians can use this time of waiting to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
- You could introduce some Advent traditions, such as the Advent wreath or the Advent calendar.
Symbols and images
Advent has a past, present and future dimension. We look back to the events of Bethlehem when Christ first entered the world; we reflect on Christ’s presence today, and we look forward with joy to the future coming of Christ. Today’s gospel reminds us that we must be ready for that coming.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- Invite candidates and catechumens to make their own Advent wreath for use in their homes during the period of Advent. Are there ways they could be involved in making the Advent wreath that will be used in your community liturgies?
- Use an Advent wreath as a focus for prayer during this season. Pray for each other as you prepare to welcome Jesus into your lives. You could use or adapt the candle lighting ritual in Gather Australia (GA 272). There are also a number of Advent songs you could use (GA 277–285). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in RCIA at §94E.
Entrance
- 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
- Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time)
- Psalm 127 (128): Blest are those who love you (Haugen)—G 86
- Psalm 127 (128): Happy are those who fear the Lord (Gelineau)—CWB 192a
- Psalm 127 (128): Happy are those who fear the Lord (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
- Psalm 127 (128): O blessed are those who fear the Lord (Inwood)—GA
- Seasonal Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Roff)—CWB 185
- Seasonal Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Willcock)—PFS 6
Gospel acclamation
Colossians 3:15a,16a
Alleluia, Alleluia!
May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
and the fullness of his message live within you.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
- Christians, let us love one another—CWB 648, CWBII 469, GA 206
- O little town of Bethlehem—CWB 772, CWBII 266, G 446, GA 296
- Once in royal David’s city—CWB 782, CWBII 269, G 455, GA 297
Communion
- Psalm 26 (27): Do not be afraid (Willcock)—CWBII 481 (refrain 1), GA 28 (refrain I), PFS 40
- In perfect charity—AOV1 142
- My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
- On eagle’s wings—AOV1 153, CWBII 654, G 691, GA 452
- 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)
- Lead me, Lord (Becker)—DD (OCP)
- Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
- Lord, to whom shall we go? (Herry)—AOV1 6, CWBII 549, GA 189, DD (Marist Music, free)
Sending forth
- Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
- God is love—CWBII 499
- In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
- Joy to the world—AOV1 170, CWB 728, CWBII 265, G 437, GA 295
We will walk with God—G 737, DD (GIA)
[LD1]To be replaced with Mary, Mother of God on 1 January – get Fiona to supply
Entrance
- Advent Litany—CWBII 253, GA 279
- Emmanuel (Angrisano)—DD (OCP)
- Come Lord Jesus (Connolly)—DD (AOV, Year of Grace collection)
- Come, O long expected Jesus—CWB 657, CWBII 232
- Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
- Eternal God who made the stars—CWBII 236a
- Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
- O come, O come, Emmanuel—AOV1 174, CWB 763, CWBII 242, G 395, GA 285
- Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
- The coming of our Lord—CWBII 248
- Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer—GA 282
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Advent)
- Psalm 23 (24): Let the Lord enter (Smith)—CWB 181
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Thomson)—CWB 168
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Haugen)—G 62, GA 49
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Willcock)—PFS 4
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, show us your mercy and love (Briggs)—CWB 169
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 1:23
Alleluia, Alleluia!
A virgin will give birth to a son;
His name will be Emmanuel: God is with us.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- God’s call (Dyball)—DD (Liturgical Song)
- Holy Virgin, by God’s decree—CWBII 410
- Immaculate Mary—CWBII 416
- Like a child rests—AOV1 85
- The angel Gabriel—CWB 815, CWBII 247
- You heavens, sprinkle dew (Rorate caeli)—CWBII 254
Communion
- I will lift my eyes (Alonso)—DD (GIA)
- In the breaking of the bread (Hurd)—AOV1 58, G 918, DD (OCP)
- 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)
- Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
- Hail Mary: gentle woman—G 889, GA 544, DD (OCP)
- Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
- In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
- Sub tuum praesidium—CWBII 419
Sending forth
- Advent Litany—CWBII 253, GA 279
- Canticle of the Turning (Cooney)—G 622, DD (GIA)
- Come Lord Jesus (Connolly)—DD (AOV, Year of Grace collection)
- Come, O long expected Jesus—CWB 657, CWBII 232
- Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
- Emmanuel (Angrisano)—DD (OCP)
- Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
- O come, O come, Emmanuel—AOV1 174, CWB 763, CWBII 242, G 395, GA 285
- Tell out, my soul—CWBII 213, GA 550
- The coming of our Lord—CWBII 248
- Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer—GA 282
Entrance
- City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
- Come Lord Jesus (Connolly)—DD (AOV, Year of Grace collection)
- Come, O long expected Jesus—CWB 657, CWBII 232
- O come, O come, Emmanuel—AOV1 174, CWB 763, CWBII 242, G 395, GA 285
- Emmanuel (Angrisano)—DD (OCP)
- Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
- The coming of our Lord—CWBII 248
- When the King shall come again—CWBII 249
- Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer—GA 282
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Advent)
- Psalm 145 (146): Lord, come and save us (Jones)—CWB 178
- Psalm 145 (146): Praise, praise the Lord (Ancell)—CWB 416, GA 83
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Thomson)—CWB 168
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Haugen)—G 62, GA 49
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Willcock)—PFS 4
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, show us your mercy and love (Briggs)—CWB 169
Gospel acclamation
Isaiah 61:1 (Luke 4:18)
Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
he sent me to bring Good News to the poor.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
- There is a longing—CWBII 82
- Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
- Your light will come, Jerusalem (Hurd)—DD (OCP)
Communion
- Be patient, beloved—Psallite: Sacred Song for Liturgy and Life, DD (Liturgical Press)
- Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
- I will lift my eyes (Alonso)—DD (GIA)
- In the breaking of the bread (Hurd)—AOV1 58, G 918, DD (OCP)
- My soul in stillness waits—CWBII 237, G 415, GA 280
- One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193
- Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
- What you have done for me (Alonso)—G 816, DD (GIA)
- Where there is charity and love—CWB 863, CWBII 638, GA 323
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
- Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
- In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
Sending forth
- Bring forth the kingdom—AOV2 4, CWBII 647, G 734, GA 478
- Christ is the world’s light—CWB 643, CWBII 467
- Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
- Go to the world!—CWBII 496
- God has chosen me (Farrell)—AOV1 21, CWBII 495, G 761, GA 497
- The voice of God—CWB 835, CWBII 621, GA 476
Entrance
- A voice cries out—G 416, GA 278
- Hark! a herald voice is calling—CWBII 239
- O come, O come, Emmanuel—AOV1 174, CWB 763, CWBII 242, G 395, GA 285
- On Jordan’s bank—CWB 780, CWBII 244, G 418
- Prepare! Prepare! (Pishner)—G 398, DD (GIA)
- Prepare the way—CWBII 250, GA 284
- Prepare the way, O Zion—CWBII 245
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Advent)
- Psalm 71 (72): Justice shall flourish (Ancell)—CWB 175
- Psalm 71 (72): Justice shall flourish (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Thomson)—CWB 168
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Haugen)—G 62, GA 49
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Willcock)—PFS 4
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, show us your mercy and love (Briggs)—CWB 169
Gospel acclamation
Luke 3:4, 6
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
all people shall see the salvation of God.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- Behold, a rose e’er blooming—CWBII 258, G 451
- Come, O long expected Jesus—CWB 657, CWBII 232
- There is a longing—CWBII 82
- There was a man of God—CWBII 250
- Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
Communion
- Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
- Bread of life—AOVNG 15
- Bread of the world in mercy broken—CWBII 460
- My soul in stillness waits—CWBII 237, G 415, GA 280
- Now in this banquet—G 937, GA 197
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
- Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
- Your light will come, Jerusalem (Hurd)—DD (OCP)
Sending forth
- A voice cries out—G 416, GA 278
- Hark! a herald voice is calling—CWBII 239
- On Jordan’s bank—CWB 780, CWBII 244, G 418
- Prepare! Prepare! (Pishner)—G 398, DD (GIA)
- Prepare the way—CWBII 250, GA 284
- Prepare the way, O Zion—CWBII 245
- Saviour of the nations, come—CWBII 246
- The coming of our Lord—CWBII 248
Entrance
- Advent Litany—CWBII 253, GA 279
- Advent Song—GA 281
- Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
- City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
- Come Lord Jesus (Connolly)—DD (AOV, Year of Grace collection)
- Come, O long expected Jesus—CWB 657, CWBII 232
- Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
- Emmanuel (Angrisano)—DD (OCP)
- Eternal God who made the stars—CWBII 236a
- Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
- Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
- Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377
- The coming of our Lord—CWBII 248
- The King shall come—G 414
- Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer—GA 282
- When the King shall come again—CWBII 249
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Advent)
- Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
- Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Joncas)—G 84
- Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Kremer)—CWB 172
- Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Roberts)—G 85
- Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Willcock)—CWBII 536, GA 72, PFS 60
- Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Thomson)—CWB 168
- Seasonal Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Haugen)—G 62, GA 49
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Willcock)—PFS 4
- Seasonal Psalm 84 (85): Lord, show us your mercy and love (Briggs)—CWB 169
Gospel acclamation
Psalm 84:8
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Lord, show us your mercy and love,
and grant us your salvation.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- Advent Chant—AOV2 123
- Advent Litany—CWBII 253, GA 279
- God of Abraham—AOV1 137, GA 306
- In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
- Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
- Your light will come, Jerusalem (Hurd)—DD (OCP)
Communion
- Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
- Bread of life—AOVNG 15
- Bread of the world in mercy broken—CWBII 460
- My soul in stillness waits—CWBII 237, G 415, GA 280
- Now in this banquet—G 937, GA 197
- Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377
- Sing to God with joy and gladness—AOV2 39, CWBII 603
- Soon and very soon—G 865
Sending forth
- Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
- Find us ready, Lord (Booth)—DD (OCP)
- Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
- Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
- Sing to God with joy and gladness—AOV2 39, CWBII 603
- Sing to the mountains—AOV1 92, CWBII 604, G 519, GA 362
- The voice of God—CWB 835, CWBII 621, GA 476
Presider
Through grace we belong to Jesus Christ. We offer these prayers of intercession confident that God will bless them, through Christ our Lord.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and the bishops who lead us in faith. May their proclamation, revealed to them in the Scriptures, encourage people of our day to look to the Gospel as the word of eternal life.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for leaders of nations and political parties who proclaim a Christian message. May their voices be heard above those who strive to take Christ out of this season of hope.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for families where there is division or tension. May the true spirit of this Christmas season give them the courage to seek healing and find the peace that this will bring.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
As a faith community, let us open our hearts and homes to share our gift of family with those not so blessed.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our family and friends who are ill at this time and for those who care for them.
We commend to your love those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they share in the peace of eternal life promised to us all.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God our Saviour, hear us this day as we stand together in community, our hearts open to your holy word. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Presider
Isaiah tells us that our God comes to save us and to put mourning and sorrow to flight. Confident in his sacred Word, we entrust our petitions to our loving God.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and the leaders of our Church. By their words and deeds, may they be for us beacons of joy and gladness as we await the coming of the Lord.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for positive relationships between Christians and Jews. May our mutual celebration of Hanukkah (the Feast of Lights) and Christmas (Christ the Light of the World) show that what unites us can be greater than what divides us.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the children of our parish schools and their teachers at the close of this academic year. May they be filled with the joy of Christmas and have a safe and refreshing holiday break.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we all take time out from the frantic pace of this Christmas season to quietly meditate on the significance of Advent. Let us make sure there is truly room in our lives for the coming of our Saviour.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now be at peace in the joy of God’s kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
We rejoice in you always, Lord God. We believe you love the just and protect those who are repressed and needy. Hear these prayers from your people, who await your saving word, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Presider
Encouraged by the Scriptures, we are a people of hope. With one voice, we bring our prayers of petition before the Lord.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and all the bishops as the shepherds of God’s people. May their words of peace and goodwill during this season of Advent be heard and heeded throughout the world.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
As we celebrate Human Rights Day this week, we pray that we may consciously develop a respect for all people, regardless of their race or religion, especially those we meet in our everyday lives.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all the young people in our Church who are preparing to travel to Lisbon for World Youth Day next year. May their faith be strengthened, and may they always feel God’s love in their lives.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we love one another and be united in mind and voice to give glory to God.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our sick family and friends, and for those who feel forgotten in their hour of need.
We pray for those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be welcomed by God to their heavenly home.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of wisdom and understanding, receive the prayers of your people. May your justice flourish in our time, and may the fullness of your peace come to all who have placed their trust in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
