Preparation

The Family assigned to light the candles on the ADVENT WREATH assembles in the front seat.

The Cantor sings the Verse:
The Choir leads the Assembly in singing the Response.

When the Ministers are ready to begin
the Procession the Commentator says: Please STAND.

The Cantor sings the Verse:

The Choir leads the Assembly in singing the Response

C       The Spirit and the Church cry out:
All     Come, Lord Jesus!

C       All those who await his appearance pray:
All     Come, Lord Jesus!

C      The whole creation pleads:
All    Come, Lord Jesus!
             [pause]

CM   As we await Christ's coming let us sing our Gathering Song:

The Ministers begin the procession
Presider kisses the altar …. then proceeds to his Chair.
Other Ministers proceed to usual places.

Sign of the Cross

Greeting

Let us rejoice with joyful song
because the Lord is coming to save us!
May the Lord's gift of salvation be with you all.

Introduction / Welcome

BLESSING OF ADVENT WREATH

Assigned family ascends the steps and lights the 1st and 2nd Candle on ADVENT WREATH
While they do this the Presider says slowly:

As we light the candles of our Advent wreath,
let us pray that God's radiant splendor will bring the light of hope
to those whose lives are darkened by oppression and war.
May it enlighten our eyes to behold Christ in others.

The family members now return to their seat.

The Litany of Praise may be omitted because of Blessing Rite - as on Passion Sunday et al.

Litany of Praise

In today's Gospel we see Jesus at work: enabling the blind to see,
the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. It is a marvelous display of compassion for
suffering humanity. In this Eucharist we encounter the same compassionate Jesus.
Let us not be afraid to let him see our wounds and weaknesses. [Pause]

Lord Jesus, you proclaimed the good news to the poor:
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, our Savior, you healed the sick and raised the dead to life:
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you have told us that we will be blessed
if we do not lose faith in you:
Lord, have mercy.

The GLORIA is omitted.

Opening Prayer

Option A
God of glory and compassion,
at your touch even the wilderness blossoms,
broken lives are made whole,
and fearful hearts grow strong in faith.
Open our eyes to your presence
and awaken our hearts to sing your praise.
To all who long for your Son's return
grant perseverance and patience.
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. AMEN.


Option B
God of peace,
whose word is good news for the oppressed,
healing for the brokenhearted,
and freedom for all who are held bound,
gladden our hearts and fashion the earth
into a garden of righteousness and praise.
Sanctify us in spirit, soul and body,
so that we may generously prepare the way
for your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who was, who is and who is to come,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P         As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Messiah,
            we confidently place our needs before God the Father.
           
             With confidence we pray:

CM     Hear our prayer . (Please repeat)

That those who exercise authority among us may shun luxury and corruption;
may they, instead, follow the example of John the Baptist who lived a life
of austerity and integrity. Lord, in your mercy:

That parents may follow the example of John the Baptist in pointing out Christ
and preparing his way in the lives of their children. Lord, in your mercy:

That the sick and the handicapped may draw strength and encouragement
from those who care for them. Lord, in your mercy:

That those burdened with sorrow, disappointment or loneliness may experience
the gentle healing of Christ and be filled with joy this Christmas. Lord, in your mercy:

We pray that those who are imprisoned may not lose hope. (pause)
We pray also for their families that they may be comforted by the love of Christ
during the Christmas Season. Lord, in your mercy:

[The Presider may add a Petition that is local / relevant]

P    God, of mercy, take pity on our weakness.
      May the coming of your Son
      confirm our faith, strengthen our hope, and deepen our love.
      We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

O God of joy and gladness,
we present these simple gifts of bread and wine,
the fruit of rain and sunshine
and the patient work of our hands.
May the Spirit of your Son
help us to sustain one another
with the bread of nourishment
and the wine of joy.
We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

One day the desert will blossom again
and we shall see the glory of God!
That this day may come soon, let us pray with confidence:

Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord

Deliver us, Lord, from the effects of sin
that prevent us from seeing your majesty and glory
in the world around us.
Strengthen the weak hands,
make firm the feeble knees
give courage to the fearful hearts
as we wait with patience
for the coming among us
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rite of Peace

Isaiah said:
"They will come to Zion shouting for joy,
everlasting joy on their faces;
joy and gladness will go with them
and sorrow and lament be ended."
Lord, look not on our brokenness
but on the faith of your Church
and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

Sign of Peace
The Baptizer pointed the way to Christ.
Let us acknowledge Christ in each other as we offer a sign of peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P     As we break the bread of life,
       in a sharing of communion in the Lord,
       we remember the promise of Jesus:
       "See, I am coming soon." (Rev. 22.7)
       And let us pray:

A   "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!" (1 Cor. 16:22)v.

Lamb of God

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus
who proclaimed Good News to the poor,
and healed those who were disabled.
Blessed are you who are gathered around his altar-table.

Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion

God, the Sustainer of life,
you have refreshed our hope and joy
in this holy meal with your Son.
Help us in our efforts
to strengthen the weary,
to give hope to the discouraged,
to walk with the weak and the poor,
and to lift up those who need comfort and care.
All this we ask in the name of Jesus the Lord. AMEN

Blessing

You believe that the Son of God once came to us;
you look for him to come again.
May his coming bring you the light of his holiness. AMEN.

May God make you steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope,
and untiring in love all the days of your life. AMEN.

You rejoice that our Redeemer came to live with us.
When he comes again in glory,
may he reward you with life without end. AMEN.

And may almighty God bless you,
+ the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Dismissal

Our celebration is ended.
Go, as Jesus said, and tell others what you have seen and heard.