Journey to
a
Ben Calf Robe School
Christmas
Christmas Mass at Sacred Heart Church
December 18, 2002
Processional Hymn: Walking Toward Christmas
Welcome: Mr. McGuinness
Welcome to our special Advent Liturgy. Today we gather to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Throughout this Advent season, we have been preparing ourselves in many ways, for the coming of the Messiah; through special activities, through prayer, through good deeds, and through many other acts of remembrance. Today we come before God the Creator, to welcome Jesus into our hearts and our lives.
Let us now begin our celebration together...
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...AMEN
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
We will begin with the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath.
After each prayer for the lighting of the candles, we will follow with the verse of the Advent Wreath Song.
Wreath Song: Light The Advent Candle
1st candle:
Reader -
The first candle we light today, reminds us of the HOPE of those who waited for the day when the Messiah would come to be the LIGHT of the WORLD and lead us out of darkness...toward our God.
All -
Dear God make us strong
as we wait for the day
when Your Son will be born
and take darkness away
2nd candle:
Reader -
The second candle we light today, reminds us of PEACE through God's FORGIVENESS. We must try to live GOOD and JUST lives and REPENT for our mistakes. We must also forgive ourselves and each other, so that we may all know PEACE.
All -
Dear God help us show
love and kindness for each other
Let forgiveness come to all,
from our God and our brother
3rd candle:
Reader -
The third candle we light today, reminds us of the JOY of Christmas day. We remember the angels who brought good news to the shepherds, and we give thanks that the greatest gift of all, will soon be here!
All -
Dear God help us feel
the JOY His coming will bring
When the earth will be blessed
and we'll welcome the King
4th candle:
Reader -
The fourth candle we light today, reminds us of God's LOVE for us. We also remember Mary who loved God so much, that she became the Mother of Jesus, God's Son. Mary is our loving Mother in Heaven, and we all share in the LOVE of the family of God.
All -
Dear God we give thanks
for Your deep endless LOVE
for sending us the Savior
as a gift from above
May we trust as Mary did,
and choose life in your LIGHT
...giving you praise
and always doing what's right
First Reading: Mrs. Bolton
John 1: 6-9 and Mark 1: 7,8
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. he himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
John said, "The one who is more powerful than I, is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the throng of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
The true light, which enlightens everyone, is coming to the world.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm: Walking in the Light of God
Second Reading: Mr. Graves
Mark 13: 31-37
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angel in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Beware, keep alert for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.
Therefore, keep awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you alseep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake"
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia
Gospel: Father Jim
The Lord be with you...............(and also with you)
A reading from the Gospel of Luke 2: 1-20............(Glory to You Lord Jesus Christ)
This is the Gospel of the Lord.............(Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ)
Homily: Father Jim
Creed: Apostles Creed
Prayers of the Faithful/Intentions:
Let us now ask for our special Advent PRAYERS.
After each intention our response will be:
Creator, lead us swiftly on your path.
That we remember to take time to pray and give thanks for our many blessings, we pray to the Lord.
That we become more like Jesus everyday, in our thoughts, feelings and actions, we pray to the Lord.
That we do things at home, at school and in our community, that pleases God and others, we pray to the Lord.
That we become more gentle, kind, giving, and loving to our friends and families, we pray to the Lord.
That we make the right choices that will keep us safe, healthy, and growing into the best person we can be, we pray to the Lord.
That all of us have a blessed and joyful Christmas celebration with our families and friends, and that we return in the New Year with renewed strength and energy from the Holy Spirit,
we pray to the Lord.
Offertory Song: Come Lord Jesus
Hosanna (sung)
Communion Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful
Closing Prayer/Blessing for the Christmas Season: Father Jim
Dear Creator,
We want to walk in your footsteps, not only towards Christmas...but every day throughout our lives.
Almighty God, You are our Rock. It is to You that we seek strength and direction for our lives.
Open our hearts to Your word, so we can be guided by your love and wisdom.
Jesus is the Light of our world, and we believe in Him. We know He came to lead us all away from darkness, and bring us closer to You.
Help us remember that we are the salt of the earth, and we give flavour to the life you have entrusted to us. May we never forget to cherish these gifts, as you cherish us.
And...may all the Ben Calf Robe School Family return safe, healthy, happy and well-rested, in 2003, to continue the very special journey we are sharing this school year.
This we ask in God's name...
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......AMEN
Closing Song: Huron Carol
