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notre dame montreal

Intercessions for Christmas Eve

Collects

God of light and hope; of stars and surprises: open our eyes to your glory and our hearts to your presence, that we may respond with joy to the angel song; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. (Methodist Worship)

Eternal God, in the stillness of this night, you sent your almighty Word, to pierce the darkness with the light of salvation: give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven, through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen.  (Common Worship)  

 

Lord Jesus, before whom the Magi laid their gifts, whom humble shepherds worshipped, accept our praises as we celebrate your birth at Bethlehem. We ask that as we make this a holy night upon which to remember your birth on earth, so our hearts would be illuminated with the brightness of your one true light, Jesus Christ our Lord, born in us this day.

Prince of Peace, born among us. As we share together the most profound mystery of your birth among us. So we pray that you would fill us with your peace. Pour into our hearts that peace which we so desperately seek, and which you alone can give. May we live as children of the same heavenly Father, willing to share our love for you and also to listen to the faith of others, that together your people may be one. Awaken in our hearts, love and gratitude for all that you have done for us and may our joyful hearts share in the message of the angels to all humankind.

We remember those for whom Christmas will  be difficult. Lord Jesus you were laid in a humble manger, because there was no room for you in the inn. Have mercy we pray on all who cannot share our happiness this Christmas time. We are mindful of the poor and the hungry, the sick and those separated from the ones they love. By your love poured out at Bethlehem, guard, guide and comfort those for whom we pray this night.

So may the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the magi, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.  Amen.  

Mercifulful Father:
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen


Traditional Form
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.