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Presider’s Page for 29 November (Advent 1, C)

Opening Comment

Advent begins today. During these days, we look forward, waiting in hope. We watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ who was born for us just a little over 2,000 years ago.

Advent Wreath blessing (shorter form)
Let us pray (pause for silent prayer)
Father, you are Light in our darkness. We thank you for all your gifts of love; here today we thank you in a special way for this Advent Wreath: for those who decorated it with evergreen branches, reminders of your love, and candles, signs of your light. We pray, Father, that you bless + this Wreath, through Christ our Lord. Amen.(Sprinkling follows.)

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
God our Saviour,
you utter a word of promise and hope
and hasten the day of justice and freedom,
yet we live in a world forgetful of your word,
our watchfulness dulled by the cares of life.
Keep us alert.
Make us attentive to your word,
ready to look on your Son
when he comes with power and great glory.
Make us holy and blameless,
ready to stand secure
when the day of his coming shakes the world with terror.
We ask 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 (Year C)
Jeremiah 33:14-16 Jeremiah’s prophecy looks to the day when a son of David will bring salvation. Christians see this fulfilled in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 to 4:2 Grow in love, says Paul; be blameless when the Lord comes in glory.
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Jesus warns his folowers to be vigilant.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Because God is faithful and loving, we can bring forward our intentions with confidence.

  1. For all believers, that they may be found ready when the Lord comes in glory (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For all people of good will, that they may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For families, especially those who suffer, that they may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of hope (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For those who live in fear, that they may find new courage in this new year (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For people burdened by addiction, that the liberation promised by the Lord may be theirs (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For all who suffer, in mind or body, that they may experience God’s healing power (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For all who have died (especially N and N), that they may have peace and rest in the Kingdom (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord, you are a true friend to those who revere you: be our support in all our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PREFACE OF ADVENT (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.
When first he came among us
in the lowliness of human flesh,
he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago
and opened for us the way to salvation.
Now, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours,
we watch for the day
when Christ will come again in majesty and glory.
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 ….

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): O Come O Come Emmanuel; To You O Lord I Lift My Soul; Wait For The Lord (Taizé); Christ be our Light.

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