Introduction:
As we look forward to Christmas, quickly approaching, today’s readings speak of God’s plans: for the House of David … for Mary … and for us.
We hear Jesus’s name spoken at the beginning of the Gospel, where Luke describes how the angel comes to Mary with good news. Gabriel tells of God’s plan: through Mary, a virgin, the son of God will be born; a successor to the House of David, whose reign will never end. Mary shows her faith and trust in God by responding with an unconditional yes.
Prayers of the Faithful:
Celebrant: Dear friends, Mary’s quiet “yes” to God became good news for the whole world to hear. In union with her, let us put our faith in God’s wisdom and love.
Lector: For the church in every land, that it will emerge from the pandemic renewed in the spirit of Mary’s courageous faith.
(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord
Lector: For all who are still separated from loved ones by travel and quarantine restrictions, that they will soon be happily reunited.
(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord
Lector: For those for whom Christmas is a time of loneliness and the risk of violence, that family members, friends and the local community will rally to their support.
(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord
Lector: For ourselves as this difficult year draws to a close, that together we will find joy, peace and love in the celebration of Christ’s birth.
(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord
Celebrant: We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Catherine Bonnici, Frank Maloney and Josephine Zerafa and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, Roberto Maniquis, David and Lawrence Bracken, Richard Keating, Joan and Jack Grimes, Anthony Baldacchino, Sam and Frank Haber, George Bonnici, Maria, Charlie, Mickel, Nickolas, Emma, John, Michelle, Katie, Karmelo and Charlie Micaleff, Schembri Family, Psayla Family, Joe and Carmen Micaleff, Carmen Cutajar, Bernadet and Vince Attard, Victor and Dina Farrugia, Georgia Falzon, Rosa Caltabiano, Donato Di Russo, Assunta Tabone, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Bevan Wilson, Geff Ruthburn, Ron Gamble, that they will be reborn into eternal life with Mary and all the saints.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)
Closing Prayer :
Celebrant: God of boundless mercy, through Mary’s consent and the power of the Spirit your Word took on our human flesh. Set us free to welcome his saving presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.