CHRISTMAS PARALITURGY
Introduction
Many times in the course of history God spoke and his Word was effective and liberating. He
spoke, and the world was made. He spoke, and man and woman were created. He spoke, and
he created the free nation of Israel, his Chosen People. But Israel refused to listen to God in the
prophets and the gloom of sin over the world settled also over his people. God did not give up
on humanity. He spoke his definitive Word, Jesus, and Jesus came and was born a child of
people. He came to save us. Do we listen to his Word? Do we give him our word of acceptance
and love?
Opening Hymn and Enthronement of the Christ Child
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest! (Refrain)
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Opening Prayer
Leader: God our Father, you created us to be with you forever, and sent your Son Jesus to lead
us to eternal life. We ask you now to help us pray with one heart and one mind as we begin this
celebration. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please be seated.
Reading
Reader: A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land
of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing. As they
rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that
burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed,
as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will
be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder
dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he
confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of
hosts will do this!
The Word of the Lord
Silent Reflection
Please stand
Intercessions
Leader: Let us present our prayers to God our Father as we prepare to meet Jesus. Let us say to
him: Lord, come and save us.
1. Let us pray for the Church: That in this time of waiting, all Christians will grow in faith, hope
and love. We pray to the Lord.
2. Let us pray for peace in the world: That all Christians and people of good will may become
peace makers in their words and actions, so that everyone living where there is war and fighting
will know the peace of Christ’s coming. We pray to the Lord.
3. Let us pray for all those in our community who are sick and lonely. That they may find hope
and comfort as we reach out to them this Christmas season. We pray to the Lord.
4. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are suffering because of
the COVID pandemic, natural and man-made calamities: May Jesus, our God with-us,
accompany them in their pain and give them strength to build life anew. We pray to the Lord.
5. Let us pray for our parents, relatives, and friends: May the coming of Jesus bring them peace,
good health, and safety always. We pray to the Lord.
6. Let us pray for our young ones and all those entrusted to our care: That the Holy Spirit may
fill their hearts with love that they may welcome Jesus in everyone with compassion and
kindness. We pray to the Lord.
7. Let us pray for all of us serving here in our Miraculous Medal Center community: May the
newborn Jesus strengthen them with wisdom to guide us in using our gifts and talents to serve
Christ in one another. We pray to the Lord.
Leader: Lord Jesus, you entered our world and know our needs and desires. Do not always give
what we ask but what we really need and stay with us, now and forever. Amen.
Lighting of Candle and Remembrance of Sr. Emma
Leader: Our dear Sister Emma, though you are no longer with us, but still your inspiration
remains and has served us and brought light into our lives. As we light this candle, we recognize
the light of your life, and ask Jesus to bring forth the life you shared with us.
Sign of Peace
Leader: The Lord Jesus entered our world as the Father's Word of peace. Let us now share His
Peace with one another.
Closing Prayer
All: Our Faithful God, you make yourself known and speak to us through Jesus Christ, your
image and your living Word. Open our ears and hearts, that we may receive your Word and
keep it. Let your Word become flesh among us also in our words of peace and truth and in our
deeds of justice and love, of friendship and self-effacing service. May this be the way by which
people recognize that your Son is alive among us today, and may they praise you forever.
All: Amen.
Closing Hymn
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
