[The Proclaimers – when they reach the bottom of the Sanctuary – bow to the Altar, towards each other, and take up assigned positions]
CM Throughout the Season of Advent, the Church reflected on God’s promises to send a Savior to the people of Israel. He would be called Emmanuel, that is, God-with-us.
In the fullness of time these promises were fulfilled.
With joyful hearts let us listen to the PROCLAMATION of the Savior’s birth.
L&R The twenty-fifth of December.
L In the fourteen billionth year since God created energy which soon after became atoms, stars and galaxies…
R In the ten billionth year since God created the whole range of elements in the Supernova…
L In the five billionth year since God created the Sun, the planets, especially Planet Earth – and the Moon…
R In the four point five billionth year since God caused Earth to bring forth single cells of life, teeming in the oceans….
L In the six hundredth million years since God brought forth multi‑cellular life in its myriad forms; sponges, worms, invertebrates, vertebrates, reptiles, mammals, primates…. [pause}
R In the two millionth year since humans emerged from the animal kingdom as hunter-gatherers…
L In the ten thousandth year since humans learned to plant seeds… and breed animals…
R In the five thousandth year since the Great Civilizations appeared…
[pause]
L In the two thousandth year since God called Abraham to leave the cradle of civilization of Ur of the Chaldeans…
R In the one thousand two hundredth year since God called his People out of Egypt…
L In the one thousandth year since God allowed the people to have David as their King…
R In the six hundredth year since God allowed the kingship to be destroyed and exiled his people for betraying the Covenant…
L In the two hundredth year since the Land of Judea and Galilee came under the yoke of Roman Rule…
[pause]
R “In the forty second year of his reign, Augustus Caesar issued a decree that a census of the whole world be taken.…”
L “Mary, already big with child… went with Joseph, her husband.. to be enrolled in Bethlehem in Judea.…”
R In a lowly manger… in the company of animals and shepherds… Mary bore her Son, Jesus… Immanuel… God-with-us.
L&R THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
according to the flesh.
[The Proclaimers bow to the Altar, then to each other,
and follow the other ministers directly to the Sacristy.
The lights are switched ON and Midnight Mass follows]
Contemporary Liturgy 