Presider’s Page for 4 January 2015 (Christmas 2)

Opening Comment
We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2015, 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.

Alternative opening prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God most high,
your only Son embraced the weakness of our flesh
to give us the power to become your children;
your eternal Word chose to dwell among us,
that we might live in your presence.
Grant us a spirit of wisdom
to know how rich is the glory you have made our own,
and how great the hope to which we are called
in Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
in the splendour of eternal light,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
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 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  nations where war and strife cause much suffering (especially in the Middle East), that this New Year may bring  peace (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. For Christians facing persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ, that they may have our support (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For all of us, in this two thousand and fifteenth year of our Saviour, that we may have the grace and courage to make a new start (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. For those who find life difficult at the moment, that God may pour our his grace on them (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: eeceive the prayers we make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions)  Christmas Carols, ‘Christ be our Light’.

 
Solemn Blessing for the BEGINNING OF THE NEW YEAR

Bow your heads for God’s blessing.

May God, the source of every blessing,
grant you the fullness of grace
and keep you safe throughout the coming year.
R. Amen.
May God safeguard the purity of your faith,
give you an unwavering hope
and a love that patiently endures to the end.
R. Amen.
May God order your works and days in peace,
listen to your every prayer,
and lead you safely to eternal life.
R. Amen.
A May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.

Or

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.