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Theme: Celebrate the Birth of Christ in Tumultuous Times
GREETING and WELCOME!
Joan M: Welcome to Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community where everyone is welcome to share in our celebration of the Eucharist. Please have bread and wine/juice nearby as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.
Today. in the presence of deep division and anxiety,we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and of the Christ Presence in our hearts in these tumultuous times. May we let go of fear, and trust that the Christ Presence is born anew in us every time we respond with love and compassion to our sisters and brothers in need.
Opening Song: Cedarmont Kids - Angels We Have Heard on High
https://youtu.be/oSJUwoXciBY
Transformation Rite:
Bridget Mary: Let us recall times when we did not stand in solidarity with people who are denigrated or rejected in our society.
Pause for several moments of silent reflection as you place hand over your heart.
Bridget Mary and ALL: We are sorry, please forgive us, we will stand with you in the face of hatred and injustice.
ALL: Sing Glory to God- Linda Lee Miller
https://youtu.be/dgn_8q1UWwk
Bridget Mary: Opening Prayer:
Holy One,
we come full of joy this Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
We open our hearts to hear the angel voices that are proclaiming good news in our world today.
We let go of fear and trust that your love embraces us in every moment of life , no matter what circumstances we face.
Together we say:
Alleluia, may it be so!
LITURGY OF THE WORD:
FIRST READING: Mary Al
A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah 9:1-6c
In darkness, a light was born.
From deep darkness, a crest of dawn shines. You enlarged life,
and Your people were born.
Even though they knew pain and suffering, You increased their joy.
They rejoice before You
as with joy at the harvest, as children exult at play
and delight in sharing gifts.
For You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot that trampled in battle and every cloak rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for fire.
For unto us a child is born. For unto us a child is given
on whose shoulders our futures rest.
This child will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Strength of God,
Everlasting One, Voice of Peace. And of the peace the Child brings,
there will be no end.
The Word of the Prophet Isaiah.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM
Come Darkness, Come light by Mary Chapin Carpenter, video byMary Theresa Streck
https://youtu.be/LXYquepxjVE?si=OvzIVDa-r2cT8qLb
SECOND READING: Luca
A Reading from the Book of Hebrews 1:1-3, 6, 8-9
In times past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways. In these last days, God has spoken to us through the Christ, the Messiah, whom God appointed heir of all things and through whom God made the cosmos. This Cosmic Christ is the radiance of God’s glory and the fullness of God’s being, sustaining all things by a powerful word. After Jesus’ life and death, the Cosmic Christ filled the majesty of the heavens.
When God brings a holy child into the world, God says:
“Let all God’s angels praise.”
About the Christ, God says:
“Your reign will last for ever and ever! A scepter of justice
will be the scepter of your kin-dom.
You have loved righteousness and shunned evil. Therefore God, your God anointed you, Messiah,
with the oil of joy.”
The Word of an Early Christian Apologist.
Thanks be to God.
Alleluia by Handel
https://youtu.be/39soYXFDVXQ?si=Nxn3Zq2Txik1DIu6
GOSPEL: Joan
A Reading from the Good News attributed to Luke 2:1-20
In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first census and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David and Bathsheba. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was pledged to be married and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. She gave birth to her firstborn. She wrapped her newborn in swaddling clothes. She laid the baby in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night when an angel, a messenger of God, stood before them. The glory of God shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy for all people:
Unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Messiah, the Anointed One. This will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host joined in, praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all God's people!”
When the angels departed from them, retreating into cosmic splendor, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which God has made known to us.” They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said.
Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told.
The Gospel according to Luke
Praise to you, Jesus the Christ.
Homily: Bridget Mary Meehan
Fear Not, a poem by Lynn Ungar entitled “Fear Not”
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not….
Which is maybe a silly thing
for a creature made of wings and eyes
to say to a couple of schmoes
who were just hanging out with their sheep
until the heavens cracked open.
Who wouldn’t be afraid?
And who stops being afraid because
someone tells you?
And yet, “Fear not” is the thing
that angels say. Apparently.
An angel says it to Mary. And to Joseph.
“Fear not.” As if that would undo
the panic of the moment, let alone
all the hardship to come.
The story never says
if Mary or Joseph or the shepherds
were comforted by these fear-denying angels.
Likely not. But all of them moved forward,
did the next thing that was to be done,
which is about all you can ask.
And maybe when the word came from Herod
about smiting babies and they had to run—
maybe when all the daily terrors of life descend—
it could be good to have the angelic voices
whispering “fear not” all down the long road,
and reminding you about the tidings of great joy.
— Lynn Ungar 12/19/18
In these times of turmoil and anxiety, there are angels in our home, community and all around reminding us that the glory of God surrounds us and guides us like a brilliant light- illuminating our path.
The Glory of God enfolds us like a cosmic womb
In the first reading the prophet Isaiah describes the nurturing aspects of darkness that enfolds us like a cosmic womb. Elizabeth Johnson, in her powerful reflections on the divine, speaks of the "cosmic womb" of God. She writes that the divine is not only the creator of life but the very space that holds and nurtures all life. Johnson imagines this divine womb as a place where all creation is born and continually re-birthed, a divine matrix of life that nurtures and protects. In this image, we are reminded that the incarnation is not just about a moment in history but about the ongoing presence of God that holds the entire universe in love. We are invited into that womb to receive God’s peace, which casts out all fear.
We can give birth to the divine every day.
The medieval mystic, Meister Eckhart, reminds us that “We are all mothers of God.”
Like Mary, we have the capacity to give birth to the divine within. This means that the Christ Presence is not only born into the world through the historical Mary, but also through each of us, in every moment we choose to welcome God into our lives. The power of love triumphs over our fears and Christ is born anew within us each and every day through our compassionate care of our sisters and brothers and our prophetic witness to the Gospel.
We are one, connected in the Cosmic Christ
Our second reading from Hebrews reminds us that Emmanuel God dwelled in our midst in Jesus and forever in the Cosmic Christ; in whom we are one and in whom we live, and move and have our being. Here we are all one, connected, in the. Depths of divine love. Here is our deepest reality, our soul power where there is nothing to fear.
There is nothing to fear, God is here.
In the Gospel of Luke, the angel voices assure the shepherds, with the words: “Do not fear.”
Richard Rohr invites us to see fear not as something to be condemned but as something to be transformed even in our struggles, doubts, and fears. He writes, “When we truly grasp this, fear begins to lose its hold on us. The divine light, though overwhelming at first, is not meant to blind us but to reveal a deeper reality: God is here.”
Listen to Real Life Angels in our world today
The real angels, who birth the divine are among us, are those who step into our fear-filled moments with messages of hope, encouragement, inspiration and strength.
Malala Yousafzai, a young woman, who, despite immense fear and danger, became a voice for education and empowerment for girls around the world. After surviving a brutal attack meant to silence her, Malala transformed her fear into courage, speaking truths that bring hope and change to countless lives. In her resilience, she embodies the message of the angels: Fear not. There is good news to share.
Teachers, social workers, first responders and healthcare workers are also messengers of God’s love, showing us that in ordinary life, light and grace, can prevail. In their acts of selflessness, we see reflections of the divine, flesh-and-blood angels who reflect God’s loving presence in our world.
In our MMOJ community, you are the real flesh and blood angels- who inspire, challenge and comfort me each week in these crazy times when the world seems upside down. Thank you!
Like the angels we are and are called to be, let us celebrate this Christmas Eve with good news of great joy!
Let us pause now and give thanks as we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the real angels in our lives today!
Community Sharing
Statement of Faith:Mary M and ALL:
We believe in God who is creator and nurturer of all. We believe in Jesus, the Christ, who is our love, our hope, and our light. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of Wisdom Sophia, who energizes and guides us to build caring communities and to challenge injustices. We believe in the communion of saints our heavenly friends, who support us on life’s journey. We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our church and world. We believe that all are one in the community of creation. We believe that God calls us to live fully, love tenderly, and serve generously. Amen.
(Statement of Faith from Bridget Mary)
Prayers of the Community: Jack
For a deeper realization of the Christ Presence working through us each day, we pray.
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For good health, energy and vitality for ourselves and all for whom, we pray
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For healing for the sick and comfort for the grieving, we pray
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For our loved ones who have passed into God's eternal embrace, we pray.
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
Joan Meehan shares Prayer Intentions in MMOJ book
and for what else do we pray?
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of The Gifts
(All hold bread plate)
Bridget Mary: Blessed are you, God of all Life. Through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you fruit of the earth, and work of human hands. It will become for us the bread of life.
ALL: Blessed by God forever.
(All hold cup)
Joan M: Blessed are you, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
Mary Kay: Blessed by God forever.
PREFACE
Mary M: God dwells in us.
Jack and ALL: And in all people everywhere.
Mary M: Lift up your hearts.
Jack and ALL: We lift them up in the joy of Divine Presence within us.
Mary M: Affirm the power of love within you and within all.
Jack and ALL: Alleluia
Mary M: With all creation and the angels and saints, we sing our hymn of praise:
We Are Holy – Linda Lee Miller
https://youtu.be/orKBBIj5LZA
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Bridget M: Mothering Presence, you brought forth all creation from your Life-Giving Womb. O Giver of all Gifts, you came as Love Poured Out to dwell among us. You revealed yourself in Mary's womb, in a shining star, in humble shepherds, and in a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Joan M.: Today, we see the Christ Presence shining forth as pure love in the eyes of the elderly, in the service of care-givers, in the witness of justice-makers, and in the dreams embedded in our own hearts. We give thanks for the Giver of Abundant gifts that nourishes and sustains us. We commit ourselves to be gifts of your goodness and generosity as we serve the needs of the least and the last in our world.
Invocation of the Holy Spirit:
( All raise hands toward bread and wine for Invocation of the Holy Spirit)
Bridget M : We ritualize the Christ Presence born anew each day in us and in the entire cosmos as we pray:
Bridget M and All: Come Holy Spirit deepen your Presence within us and in these gifts of bread and wine. Now, as we share the bread of life and lift the cup of blessing at this festive meal we pray:
Bridget Mary and ALL: On the night before he died, while at supper with his friends, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to them saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat. Do this in memory of me.”
Pause for silent reflection
Joan M and ALL: In the same way, Jesus took the cup of wine. He said the blessing, gave the cup to his friends and said, “Take this all of you and drink. Do this in memory of me.”
Pause for silent reflection
Joan M and ALL: Let us proclaim the sacred presence of our nurturing God:
Jesus, you are born again and again in us and through us each day.
Mary M: We remember the prophet and saints in every age, who, like candles in the night, illuminated the darkness of doubt with faith, courage and wisdom: Miriam and Moses, Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Joseph, and all our beloved family and friends. We recall the spiritual treasures they passed down to us through the ages.
Jack : We join in the divine cosmic dance in communion with all that is, all that was, and all that will be. Through Christ, in Christ, with Christ, all praise and glory echoes through the universe as your Spirit leaps for joy within us!
The Great Amen with Linda Lee Miller
https://youtu.be/Dy76fpfkNsg
THE PRAYER OF JESUS
Mary M: We pray the prayer that Jesus prayed using the translation from the Aramaic:
All:
Birther of the cosmos, breathe life into our hearts.
May your power and counsel rule our lives and the whole creation.
May your will to love find its home in each human heart,
as it is at home throughout the cosmos.
Grant us today both bread and wisdom,
that we may in turn become bread for others.
Loose the cords of secret debts that bind us,
and in the strength this freedom gives us,
help us loose the cords we bind round others.
Don’t let surface things delude us, but free us from unripeness,
from all that holds us back from loving you.
For from you is born the astonishing fire,
the ruling will, the power and song that give life to all,
here and now and forever, Amen.
THE SIGN OF PEACE
Jack : Jesus, you said: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. May we be the peace we wish to see in the world. Let us share a gesture of deep peace and justice with everyone in the circle of life as we bow toward you with hands folded, saying together:
ALL: The peace of Christ be with you. Namaste, Namaste, Namaste.
LITANY FOR THE BREAKING OF BREAD
Joan and ALL:
Loving God, we are called to speak truth to power. We will do so.
Loving God, we are called to live the Gospel of peace and justice. We will do so.
Loving God, we are called to be Your presence in the world. We will do so.
Bridget M and ALL:
We are the hands and feet of Christ in our world. All are invited to this banquet of love. Receive the Bread of Life and Cup of Blessing.
ALL: Amen.
(All receive Communion)
COMMUNION -- Meditation: Silent Night, Each Holy Child by Shaina Knoll
https://youtu.be/hYefyA90SZc
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright
On every birthday, each mother and child
Each Holy Infant is tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, each holy child sleep in peace.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Joan M: May your tender presence continue to open our hearts to the daily miracles of Christ Presence that surround us each day. May Christ be born anew through us in our world this Christmas and New Year!
ALL: Amen.
Bridget M: Welcome, Gratitude, and Announcements
CONCLUDING RITE
DISMISSAL
Joan: The Holy One is within you.
Joan and ALL: May we sing and dance for joy as we celebrate every day as Christmas!
BLESSING
(everyone please extend your hands in mutual blessing)
Bridget M Let us rejoice that Christ is born anew through you and me in our world today. Go in peace and let the service continue.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
CONCLUDING HYMN: Joy to World - Music (see new words by Jann Alderidge Clanton!)
“Sound Forth the News That Wisdom Comes”
Sound forth the news that Wisdom comes
to bring new life to birth.
Arise with hope, Her labor join,
and peace shall fill the earth,
and peace shall fill the earth,
and peace, and peace shall fill the earth.
No more let fear and custom hide
the path of Wisdom fair.
She leads the way to life and joy,
with gifts for all to share,
with gifts for all to share,
with gifts, with gifts for all to share.
Joyful are we who heed the call
of Wisdom in our souls.
With Her we break oppression’s wall,
so love may freely flow,
so love may freely flow,
so love, so love may freely flow.
Crown Wisdom Queen of heaven and earth;
Her reign will set us free.
Fling wide the gates that all may come
join hands and dance with glee,
join hands and dance with glee,
join hands, join hands and dance with glee.
Words © Jann Aldredge-Clanton, from Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians
“Sound Forth the News That Wisdom Comes” calls us to co-create with Wisdom a world of justice, peace, equality, love, freedom, and joy. This Christmas carol comes with the hope that Wisdom will guide us to change our violent culture and to co-create with Her a peaceful world. Let us join together in our churches, communities, and home in caroling for change."
If you want to add a prayer intention to our MMOJ Community Prayer book, please send an email to Joan Meehan. jmeehan515@aol.com
If you want to invite someone to attend our liturgy, please refer them our website :
To support our community, please send your check to:
Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
Please support our community, send your check to:
Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
5342 Clark Road #3079
Sarasota, FL 34233
Liturgy written by Bridget Mary Meehan https//:arcwp.org
Resource for Inclusive Advent and Christmas songs:
https://jannaldredgeclanton.com/inclusive-carols-for-advent-and-christmas/
