Advent is drawing to a close; we have just a day left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example and imitate her faith.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Here in our midst, O God of mystery,
you disclose the secret hidden for countless ages.
For you we wait, for you we listen.

Upon hearing your voice
may we, like Mary, embrace your will
and become a dwelling fit for your Word.

Grant this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 — David is told it’s not his job to build a temple for God. God will build a great house for all people. This plan took shape with the birth of Jesus, son of David.
Romans 16:25-27 — The mystery kept secret for ages is a secret no more, says Paul. The mystery is revealed in Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:26-38 — The story of the Annunciation is told again; Mary is shown as the model of faith for Christmastime.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) God’s love for us endures forever, so we present our needs with confidence.

1. For all who profess the Christian faith, that with open hearts they may welcome their Saviour (pause and pray quietly). Lord, hear us.
2. For the Jewish people, descendants of the great King David, that God’s promises to them may be fulfilled (pause and pray quietly). Lord, hear us.
3. For the members of all religions, that they may grow in tolerance and respect for each other (pause and pray quietly). Lord, hear us.
4. For the people in our community who feel they lack courage, that they may be inspired by Mary’s trust in God (pause and pray quietly). Lord, hear us.
5. For our relatives and friends who have come home for Christmas, that they may find rest here, and new energy (pause and pray quietly). Lord, hear us.
6. For people who have suffered grief or illness in 2023, that their friends may support them when they are lonely (pause and pray quietly). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead:  For those who have gone before us in faith (especially N and N), and for all the people who have died in road accidents since last Christmas (pause): that they and all the dead may receive a welcome to God’s house (pause and pray quietly). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, your love for your people endures forever: hear our prayers and send us your help, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord,
may the power of the Spirit
which came upon Mary and made her womb fruitful
sanctify the gifts we have placed on this altar.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preface of Advent II (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He is the one foretold by all the prophets,
whom the Virgin Mother awaited with love beyond all telling,
the one whose coming John the Baptist heralded,
and whose presence he proclaimed.
This same Lord invites us to prepare with joy
for the mystery of his birth,
so that when he comes
he may find us watchful in prayer,
our hearts filled with wonder and praise.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of praise: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY….

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (with interpolation for Sunday mornings)(from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord, you are holy indeed,
you are the fountain of all holiness.

In communion with the whole Church,
we have assembled on this day which you have made holy,
and, rejoicing that you have made us a new creation in your risen Son,
we pray:
Send down your Spirit upon these gifts to make them holy,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Before he was given up to death,
a death he freely accepted,
he took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.

When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL,
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.

The mystery of faith…..

Remembering therefore his death and resurrection,
we offer you, Lord God,
this life-giving bread, this saving cup.
We thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.
We pray that all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ
may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, remember your Church throughout the world:
perfect us in love
together with Francis our Pope and N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all who minister to your people.

Remember our brothers and sisters
who have gone to their rest
in the sure hope of rising again;
bring them and all who have died in your mercy
into the light of your presence.

Have mercy on us all:
make us worthy to share eternal life,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles and with all the saints,
who have found favour with you throughout the ages;
in union with them
may we praise you and give you glory
through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through him, with him, In him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father,
for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION(from 1998 ICEL Missal)
In this communion, almighty God,
you have given us the pledge of eternal redemption.
Grant that the closer we come to the feast of Christmas,
the more eagerly we may prepare to celebrate
the saving mystery of your Son’s birth.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING for Advent (from 1998 ICEL Missal)

Bow your heads for God’s blessing.

We rejoice at the coming of the Saviour in our flesh,
and we await his return again in glory.

May God the almighty and merciful
bless you by the light of Christ’s coming,
and enrich your lives with every grace.
R. Amen.
May God make you steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope,
and untiring in love all the days of your life.
R. Amen.
May God reward you with eternal life
when our Redeemer comes again in glory.
R. Amen.

The priest concludes, using one of the following forms of blessing.
A May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.

B May the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come upon you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.

Songs
‘O Come O Come, Emmanuel’; ‘Maranatha’; ‘Oh the Love of my Lord is the Essence’; ‘Christ be our Light’.