God shares his dream with humanity through Mary and Joseph: may the Church of Christ offer the world that same dream of a new birth, a new hope for all humankind and for all creation, as we live with love and imagination
HEAR US WE PRAY…
[response] WE COME TO DO YOUR WILL
Insignificant Bethlehem gives birth to the Messiah: may no one be counted insignificant or of little value; may the small and poor nations of the Earth be treated with equal dignity; may the United Nations keep faith with the dream of a world at peace, helping all peoples to value each other, especially in the land of Jesus’ birth, in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and in all conflict zones
HEAR US WE PRAY…
Joseph knew the strength that lies in compassion, tenderness, gentleness and understanding: may we teach our children new ways of being human, heal the scars of male bullying and aggression, highlight the power and dignity of gentleness and bring domestic violence to an end
HEAR US WE PRAY…
Mary ‘has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit’: as God chooses a woman to give birth to Love in the world, may all women know they are valued, reverenced with the dignity of equality; may all women who have known abuse in their lives be gently healed: we pray especially for all women who are pregnant or nearing child-birth at this time
HEAR US WE PRAY…
May the retelling of the timeless story in all its simplicity and depth bring many to hear afresh the Good News of God’s immense love, and be converted to Christ, to humanity and to love
HEAR US WE PRAY…
Jesus is the promise of wholeness and healing: may all mothers who carry a child in their womb know security and peace; may the sick find hope and healing especially those suffering from the Australian fires, and …;
We pray for all recently dead, especially … and those killed in the conflicts in the Middle East
and those whose anniversaries are at this time, especially …;
HEAR US WE PRAY…
Mary, faithful bearer of the Coming of God, together with your husband, Joseph, pray with us that our society will place greater value on parenthood and family life…
HAIL MARY…
We wait upon the Coming of Jesus in a moment of silence…