O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Jeremiah 31:7-10
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
84
*At the end of the Psalms this is sung or said Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
New Testament
Ephesians 1:3-6
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Luke 2:41-52
Deacon:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Luke's Gospel chapter 2, beginning at verse 41.
41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, 'Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.' 49 And He said to them, 'Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?' 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
After the Gospel reading, the deacon elevates the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.
Prayers of the People
Brothers and sisters, Jesus came that we may have access to the Father through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, with confidence, let us approach our God for our needs and the needs of others.
That the Church will act as the conscience of the State and oppose it whenever it governs contrary to the Will of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the Church will grow in unity in order that the world will know that Jesus was sent by God the Father.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That all nations will walk in the light of Christ.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will trust God and be strengthened by His grace as we face the challenges of this New Year.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will see Christ in others and be Christ to one another.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are sick will join their sufferings to Christ while they wait for their healing to come.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are near death will come into a relationship with the Lord before their pilgrimage on earth is ended.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Almighty God, You have been faithful to all Your promises even when we have been unfaithful. Hear the prayer and give us the grace to better understand the mystery of Your love that has been demonstrated to us through Christ our Lord. AMEN