Preparation

Before the celebration begins the Presider
" arranges with Sacristans if he plans to have Incensation
e.g. before the Presentation of the Gifts he could go to the BELEN
and incense the Wise Men etc.
before the Washing of the hands he could incense the Altar-Table.
Instructs the Organist & choir which format will use for the GLORIA.

Sign of the Cross

Greeting

Song: 'We wise men from Orient are...'

Praise be to God the FATHER
who today reveals his SON to the nations.
May God's light and love be with you all.

Introduction & Litany of Praise

Option A
Today we hear again the story of the Wise Men who,
guided by the light of a star, came to Bethlehem
to honor the Christ-child. We too are on a journey,
a journey to that heavenly Bethlehem where we hope
to meet the Lord face to face.
We are guided, not by the light of a star,
but by the light of faith. Let us ask the Lord to strengthen our faith.
(pause)

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world:
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, those who follow you will always have the light of life:
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you lead us through the darkness of this world
to the radiant joy of our eternal home:
Lord, have mercy.

Option B
The Wise Men were searching for Christ.
When they found him, they worshipped him and offered him gifts.
Millions of people have followed their footsteps and come to Christ.
We count ourselves among them.
Let us now open our hearts so that
we can encounter Christ in this Eucharist. (pause)

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations
into the peace of God's kingdom:
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you reveal to us the love of the Father:
Christ, have mercy.

You are the WORD MADE FLESH
and radiance of God's glory:
Lord, have mercy.

Gloria

Option A
Let us praise the Lord of days and seasons and years, singing,
"Glory to God in the highest."

Option B

                                    TODAY THE ...

[This alternative Format is designed to replace the GLORIA.
Legend: P - Presider; Ay - Assembly]

P . Let us now join the Wise Men in giving glory to God as we sing!
Ay - Glory to God in the highest,
        and peace to God's people on earth.
            or (Filipino Version of Gloria)
Ay - Papuri sa Diyos, papuri sa Diyos,
        papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan!

P . Today the wise men come to Bethlehem.
     With them, Lord, we come to render homage to you!
Ay - Glory to God in the highest,
        and peace to God's people on earth.
             or (Filipino Version of Gloria)
Ay - Papuri sa Diyos, papuri sa Diyos,
        papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan!

P . Today the star leads them to the manger.
     With them, Lord, we wish to let ourselves be led by your light!
Ay - Glory to God in the highest,
        and peace to God's people on earth.
               or (Filipino Version of Gloria)
Ay - Papuri sa Diyos, papuri sa Diyos,
        papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan!

P . Today they see the little child and Mary his mother.
     With them, Lord, we wish to discover you in our brothers and sisters!
Ay - Glory to God in the highest,
        and peace to God's people on earth.
           or (Filipino Version of Gloria)
Ay - Papuri sa Diyos, papuri sa Diyos,
        papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan!

P . Today they prostrate themselves before you and adore you.
     With them, Lord, we wish to adore you and follow you!
Ay - Glory to God in the highest,
        and peace to God's people on earth.
             or (Filipino Version of Gloria)
Ay - Papuri sa Diyos, papuri sa Diyos,
        papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan!

P . Today they offer their gifts to the Christ-child.
     With them, Lord, we wish to offer you our own lives as a gift!
Ay - Glory to God in the highest,
        and peace to God's people on earth.
           or (Filipino Version of Gloria)
Ay - Papuri sa Diyos, papuri sa Diyos,
        papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan!

Opening Prayer

Option A ICEL 1997
Lord God of the nations,
we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendor.
The radiance of your incarnate Word
pierces the darkness that covers the earth
and signals the dawn of peace and justice.

Make radiant the lives of your people
with that same brightness,
and beckon all the nations
to walk as one in your light.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
in the splendor of eternal light,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Option B Eucharistic Liturgies - 1969
Grateful for the light of Christ which today touches our lives,
let us pray:
[pause]
Father, we your people rise up in splendor,
for your light has come;
your glory now shines upon us.
We are grateful for this light,
who is Jesus Christ, your Son.
Open our eyes that we may recognize you
in all the signs which you send us.
All glory be to you, FATHER,
through your SON Jesus Christ,
who draws all people to himself
that together with the SPIRIT
we might give you praise,
forever and ever. AMEN.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Let Heaven Rejoice.by Bob Dufford SJ.

CM: Today we join the whole of creation as we sing:

Ref. Let heaven rejoice and earth be glad;
       let all creation sing.
       Let children proclaim through ev'ry land:
      "Hosanna to our King."

Songs of angels, "Glory on high,
and peace to all on earth.
I bear glad tidings; born this day,
your Savior and your God" Ref.

Nations tremble, wise men amazed,
a child has been born this night.
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
a Father, Prince of Peace. Ref.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6

Celtic Alleluia

Down through the years God has spoken
his message of love through the prophets;
and God speaks to us today
through Christ his Son.
Alleluia!

Gospel

(An alternative way to proclaim the Gospel can be found below.)

[Matthew: 2: 1-12]

[Legend: P - Presider; N - Narrator (Better if this part is read by a woman)
B - Balthazar; G - Gaspar; CP - Chief Priests; S - Scribes; H - Herod]

[Ideally, all the participants - with the exception of the Narrator - would learn off their parts.
If this is not possible then the speaking parts could be recorded before hand. The participants would familiarize themselves with the script and lip sync their lines during the presentation. All directions can be modified to suit the particular church building.

The Narrator stands at the Ambo. When the participants are ready she asks the Assembly to rise and face the center Aisle.]


P . THE PROCLAMATION OF THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW.

[ The wise men, carrying suitable gifts, begin their journey. B, equipped with a handheld microphone, starts from the Main door; at the first door he is joined by G who enters from the Car Park; at the 2nd door they are joined by M who comes from the Pieta side. They walk, talking quietly as they go, occasionally look up and point to the sky. When the three approach the sanctuary the Narrator gives her signal (no words please) for the Assembly to sit - so that everyone can see - and says,]

N . In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking,

[The wise men face the Assembly and B asks them]
B. Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?

[G adds]
G. We observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.
[At the base of the sanctuary they move slightly to the Right and stand there in a huddle]

[Herod emerges from back of Sanctuary; looks frightened; scratches his head etc.
Through a servant he summons the CPs and Ps from pews near organ and inquires from them]
N . When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

[One CP comes forwards and speaks]
CP. In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

[One Scribe takes a scroll from his pocket/tunic, unfolds it, holds it out from himself and reads the quotation]
S. And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.

[ Herod sends a Chief Priest and Scribe to summon the wise men; he talks secretly to them]
N . Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying,

[ Herod gesticulates with his hands - sending them away and requesting them to report back]
H. Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.

[The wise men set off slowly towards the Belen; they acknowledge the presence of the star.]
N . When they had heard the king they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

[The wise men approach the Belen; one by one each kneels, offers and then places his gift.]
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

[The impatient Herod paces back and forward in the Sanctuary]

[The wise men cross over in front of the Sanctuary and exit by the Sacristy while the Narrator concludes]

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod they left for their own country by another road.

[Herod, followed by his Servant, now walks angrily into the Sacristy]

P . THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD.

Homily

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P         Let us intercede with our heavenly Father who today reveals
            his Son as light to all nations. With faith and confidence, we pray:

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, shine on us today! (Please repeat)

1. For the universal Church. (pause)
   May she bring together men and women from afar
   and lead them to the light of Christ's Gospel. We pray:
   
2. For church leaders and missionaries. (pause)
   May they gather into the community of the People of God
   the rich diversity of peoples, cultures, gifts and ministries.
   We pray:
   
3. For all who look for a star to guide them. (pause)
   may they discover the goodness of the Lord
   in people of faith and love. We pray:
4. For all travelers, refugees, and people who are away from home. (pause)
   May God keep them in his care and deliver them from all dangers.
   We pray:
5. For all those affected by the recent tidal waves that have caused
   so much devastation in the Indian ocean;
   the tens of thousands of victims who have died; (pause)
   the millions of people who are trying to rebuild their lives.
   We pray:
   

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

P      Source of light and life,
        today you revealed your Son as the light of all peoples.
        May we follow him and come to the light that shines for ever.
        We ask this through Christ, our Lord. AMEN.

Preparation of the Gifts

[If the Presider has planned to have the Rite of Incensation he may wish to
- incense the BELEN and / or
- the Altar-Table]

Prayer over the Gifts

By the light of a star, O God of the universe,
you guided the nations to the Light of the world.
Accept these gifts from your people,
the GOLD of our faithfulness,
the INCENSE of our prayer,
and the FRAGRANCE of our lives.
All this we do through Jesus,
who is Lord for ever and ever. AMEN

Introduction to Eucharistic Prayer (optional)

Preface

Father, all powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
Today you revealed in Christ
your eternal plan of salvation
and showed him as the light of all peoples.
Now that his glory has shone among us
you have renewed humanity in his immortal image.
Now, with angels and archangels
and the whole company of heaven,
we sing the unending hymn of your praise:
Holy… Holy...


Lord you are holy indeed.
you are the fountain of all holiness.

We gather here before you,
and in communion with the whole church
we celebrate the most holy day
on which your only Son
who shares your own eternal glory
appeared before us in a true body of our own flesh.
Through him, our Redeemer and our Savior, we pray.

Send down your Spirit upon these gifts
to make them holy
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.


Before he was given up to death,
a death he freely accepted,
he took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.

When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.

A Great is the mystery of faith.
B Praise to you, Lord Jesus.
C Christ is the bread of life.
D Jesus Christ is Lord.

Remembering, therefore, his death and resurrection,
we offer you, Lord God,
this life-giving bread, this saving cup.
We thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.

We pray that all of us
who share in the body and blood of Christ
may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, remember your Church throughout the world:
perfect us in love
together with N. our Pope,
and N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons
and all who minister to your people.

Remember our brothers and sisters
who have gone to their rest
in the sure hope of rising again:
bring them and all who have died in your mercy
into the light of your presence.

Have mercy on us all:
make us worthy to share eternal life,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles and with all the saints,
who have found favor with you throughout the ages;
in union with them
may we praise you and give you glory
through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through him,
with him,
in him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours,
almighty Father,
forever and ever. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Let us now pray to the God and Father of all nations
in the words Jesus gave to us: Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord

Deliver us, Lord, from selfishness
that closes our hearts and hands
to the needs of the people around us.
Help us to free your people from want and fear
with the gifts of our minds, hearts and material goods,
that we may prepare for the full coming
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord Jesus Christ,
let the star of your peace rise today
on all who believe in you.
In its light,
may we lead to you those who do not yet believe
so that together
we can share the peace and joy of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.

May the light and peace of the Child of Bethlehem, be with you all.

Exchange of Peace
Let us share with one another the gift of peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      Prayer to accompany the Breaking of the Bread.
        We break BREAD
        so that by sharing this meal
        we meet Christ the Lord.
        In him peoples will sit down at table
        as brothers and sisters in the kingdom of God:
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus the LIGHT of all nations,
the one the Wise men sought… found… and adored.
Blessed are we because we have found the same Jesus;
we are invited to the 'manger'
where he will be our food and drink.

Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion

Truly blessed are you, Eternal God,
who stand so firm in your promises to us.
May we, who have broken bread together,
be signs of your peace in our world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,
who brightens the world by his coming
and who promises an even brighter day
when time shall be no more.
He is Lord for ever and ever. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

God has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
May you experience his kindness and blessings. AMEN.

Because you are followers of Christ,
may he make you a light to your sisters and brothers. AMEN.

The wise men followed the star,
and found Christ who is light from light.
May you too find the Lord when your pilgrimage is ended. AMEN.

May God bless you, +
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  AMEN.

Dismissal      

Our Celebration is ended.
Go and witness to the Light of Christ.

Anointed by the Spirit,
go now witness to the Light of Christ.