3 rd Sunday of Advent

Alleluia, Alleluia Christ is coming. Rejoice in the Lord always, the Lord is near And so we gather, +In the name of the Father…

Opening Prayer Lord God, let us prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ by being generous and kind and sharing what we have with others. AMEN

You bring us together to pray to our heavenly Father. Lord have mercy Lord, have mercy. You are our guide. Christ have mercy Christ, have mercy. You show us how to love each other. Lord have mercy Lord, have mercy.

Alleluia,

The Gospel according to St Luke Glory to you, O Lord The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Alleluia,

Time to reflect on what we have heard in our Gospel today. What did John the Baptist encourage the people to do? Who was John preparing the people for? Why did John feel unfit to undo Christ’s sandals? How could we prepare and spread the joy of Jesus coming to join us ?

Ritual Response We would like a member of each class to come and collect an image of joy to remind us of the great and happy event we are preparing for.

As brothers and sisters in one loving family together let us pray to our heavenly Father. Let us pray for peace in our homes and throughout the world. Lord in your mercy; All: Lord hear our prayer We pray for the sick and all who suffer in mind or body Lord in your mercy; All: Lord hear our prayer. Knowing that our Heavenly Father is listening, in the silence of our own hearts let us share our unspoken prayers with him. Amen

Let us pray together. Loving Father, Help us to prepare for your coming through showing love and caring for one and other. Amen

Shine, Jesus, Shine 1. Lord, the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness, shining. Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us. Set us free by the truth you now bring us. Shine on me, shine on me. Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father ’ s glory. Blaze, Spirit, blaze; set our hearts on fire. Flow, river, flow; flood the nations with grace and mercy. Send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light.

2. Lord, I come to your awesome presence, from the shadows into your radiance. By the blood I may enter your brightness. Search me, try me, consume all my darkness. Shine on me, shine on me. Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father’s glory. Blaze, Spirit, blaze; set our hearts on fire. Flow, river, flow; flood the nations with grace and mercy. Send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light.

3. As we gaze on your kingly brightness, So our faces display your likeness, ever changing from glory to glory. Mirrored here, may our lives tell your story. Shine on me, shine on me. Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father’s glory. Blaze, Spirit, blaze; set our hearts on fire. Flow, river, flow; flood the nations with grace and mercy. Send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light.