Presider’s Page for Second Sunday of Christmas

Opening Comment (Presider)

We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2014, with thankfulness for the year just gone. We ask God for continuing care and protection as face this New Year, not knowing what it will bring. Penitential Rite: Confident that God’s mercy has no end, we remember our sins: (pause) Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace … You are Son of God and Son of Mary … You are Word made flesh and splendour of the Father: Lord, have mercy.

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings (Readers)

Ecclesiasticus 24: 1-2, 8-12 — Wisdom will pitch her tent among the chosen people, predicts the author of Ecclesiasticus. This saying came true when the Word became flesh in Jesus. We are reminded of this in the response to the psalm which follows.

Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 — As God’s children, we are chosen to share in divine wisdom, a wisdom that reached its fullness in Christ.

John 1:1-18 — The Gospel of Christmas Day is repeated, to reinforce the simple yet profound message: The Word became flesh

 

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who in Jesus was made flesh.

  1. For those who claim the name of Christian,that they may accept the mystery of Jesus, human and divine (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For the people for whom God seems distant and uncaring, that they see the full beauty of God, revealed in Jesus (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For the nations where war and strife cause much suffering (especially in the Middle East), that this New Year may bring them peace (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For all of us, in this two thousand and fourteenth year of our Saviour, that we may have the grace and courage to make a new start (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for those who have died (especially N and N), “that perpetual light may shine on them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, your Word reveals your care and compassion: receive the prayers we make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

SONGS AT MASS: Christmas Carols, ‘Christ be our Light’.

 

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