Christmas Grace Before Meals

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As the guests are gathering around the table a suitable Christmas carol may be played and/or sung. All are welcomed.

 

 

Leader: I bring good news to you - of great joy

Response (R) :  To us the Lord is born

Leader: Now is the acceptable time

R.     Now is the day of salvation

Leader:  This is the day that God has made

R.     Let us rejoice and be glad

 

The candle in the centre of the table is lit:
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Candle-lighter:   As we light our candle on this feast of light,
may the eternal light of God that shines with splendour in the stars
shine upon our table and fill our hearts.

Opening Prayer (All)

Lord Jesus, as we celebrate your birthday
be with us today around this table
and help us to know true peace and joy.
We remember those who are without food today,
and we ask that through the generosity of others
they may find nourishment and love. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Reader Luke 2:6-7

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child. She gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Word of God. R. Thanks be to God

Intercessions

Leader : Jesus, God in a manger, you who are great became small

Response (R)
Be with those who have no status

Leader: Jesus, God in a manger you who are strong became weak

R.  Stand with those who have no strength

Leader: Jesus, Baby of Bethlehem by placing yourself as a baby, in human hands you show how much you trust us.

R. May we be worthy of your trust in the way we live our lives

Leader:   Jesus, child of Nazareth, in your youth you grew in wisdom

R.  May we be open to the Spirit's wisdom.

Leader:  Jesus, man of Galilee as an adult, in the company of disciples you taught the truth and lived it in love

R.  May we always walk in your way.

Leder:  And so we pray:

ALL
May Jesus who comes today enable us to discern God's coming in every grace-filled moment of our lives.
May our hearts grow in compassion and understanding as we celebrate today the extraordinary manifestation of God's love in the Incarnation. Amen


Blessing 

Leader:

We pray this blessing for ourselves and for (eg, ..all the sisters in our congregation wherever they are, and however they are celebrating Christmas).

All extend their right hand towards the centre as they say:

May the birth of Jesus make us more human. Amen
May the life of Jesus teach us his way. Amen.
May the death of Jesus forgive us our sin. Amen
And may the resurrection of Jesus give us
power to live by, now and always.


AMEN (sung)

 

  CAROL PLAYED AS GUESTS ARE SEATED

ENJOY YOUR MEAL AND ENJOY ONE ANOTHER!