Cycle B 4th Sunday Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent [CYCLE B]

MAIN MESSAGE

[This is for reference only. Please do not read it at Mass] The last Sunday of Advent brings us to the event immediately preceding the coming of Christ, the Annunciation. This was the crucial ‘act’ in the drama of human history. The actors: God, his messenger and a young girl. In response to the need and cry of sinful humanity, God was sending his only Son Jesus to save the world. But he awaited first the response of Mary, his chosen instrument. As the angels waited perhaps, with bated breath, Mary responded with her beautiful fiat: “I am the handmaid of the Lord! Let it be done to me according to your word.” It was her response that brought Jesus into the world and changed the course of history. We lead the children to look at Mary and to emulate her, for God wishes to use each one as his instrument. Each one is called to receive Jesus and to give him to the world: to our families, friends, neighbours and anyone in need.

INTRODUCTION: Celebrant: How many of you have acted in a drama?... Maybe it was just a small ‘fun-drama’ with your friends. •

Sometimes children play ‘house-house’ where one child is the mother, one the father, one the baby… Suppose no one wants to be the baby and everyone wants to be the mother… then the whole game is spoilt.

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Two thousand years ago, God was planning a wonderful drama. The people of the world were waiting for a Saviour and God was ready to send his son Jesus. But first he had to ask the one he had chosen to play the most important part in the drama. That person was (who?)… Mary. Would she say yes, or no? We will hear about this in the Gospel today.

LITURGY OF THE WORD: First Reading: Romans 16:25-27. Psalm: 47:1-2,7-8. Commentator: Listen to the Gospel, especially to Mary’s reply to God’s messenger. Gospel: Luke 1:26-38.

Homily: Celebrant: Let’s see if you were listening carefully to the Gospel. • Who was the messenger God sent to Mary? [The angel Gabriel] • What message did the angel give Mary? [That God had chosen her to be the mother of his son Jesus and that he would be a great king.] • Mary was puzzled and asked how she could have a baby when she was not married. What was the angel’s reply? [He said that the Holy Spirit would come down on her and by God’s power the baby would come into her.] • And now, the most important question: What was Mary’s answer to God? [“I am the Lord’s servant. Let it happen as you have said!”] •

What a brave young girl Mary was! She was only about 15 years old and God was asking her to be the mother of his Son. She knew it would not be easy at all, but she loved God and trusted him. So she said ‘Yes’. Because Mary said yes, Jesus came and the whole world was saved. That’s why we thank God for Mary. And that’s why we praise her.

• Today God is looking at you and asking you, “Will you take part in my drama? Will you receive Jesus into your life and give him to others?” •

The drama God is talking about is a real-life drama, not one on a stage. God wants you to welcome his Son just like Mary did. He wants you to be like her and say, “I am your servant. Do what you want, Lord!”

• Mary shared Jesus with others. As soon as she heard that her cousin Elisabeth was having a baby, she went off to help her. When the wine was finished at a wedding party, Mary took the problem to Jesus and he changed water into wine. Even when Jesus was hanging on the cross she didn’t fight with God but she knew that he was dying for us all, so she let it happen. •

God wants you to be like Mary. [Refer to words on the tower.] There are two things he wants you to do: receive Jesus, and to share him with others. Everyone needs Jesus: people in your family, your friends at school, poor people, your neighbours. You can share him by helping people, praying for them, smiling at them, sharing what you have with them. What is your answer to God? •

Remember, Mary is ready to help us. Let’s ask her to help us to be like her and to take Jesus to others. We’ll pray in the words of the angel Gabriel. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

APPROPRIATE HYMNS ENTRANCE: OFFERTORY: COMMUNION: RECESSIONAL:

Sing to the Mountains All for You Lord God is Dwelling in My Heart Mary Said Yes

PREPARATION REQUIRED: • Practice readings. • Write the words ‘BE LIKE MARY’ on the tower.

FIR ST REA DING : A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Romans: Brothers and sisters: Praise God! He can make you strong by means of my good news, which is the message about Jesus Christ. For ages and ages this message was kept secret, but now at last it has been told. The eternal God commanded his prophets to write about the good news, so that all nations would obey and have faith. And now, because of Jesus Christ, we can praise the only wise God forever! Amen. This is the Word of the Lord. PSALM :

Response: God is king o f a ll the earth ! All of you nations, clap your hands and shout joyful praises to God. The Lord Most High is fearsome, the ruler of all the earth.

ACCLA MA TION :

GOSPEL :

God is ruler of all the earth! Praise God with songs. God rules the nations from his sacred throne.

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the servant of the Lord: let it be done to me according to your word. Alleluia, alleluia.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, “You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you.” Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.” Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not married!” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. Nothing is impossible for God!” Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” This is the Gospel of the Lord. NB. All Readings are taken from the ‘Lectionary for Masses with Children’ canonically approved for use in the USA.