Cycles A. B. and C

Good News ABC4b

Christmas Midnight Mass

New American Bible Christmas Midnight Luke 2:1-14

Bible Gateway New International Version Luke 2:1-14

No Room in the Inn

Everyone who had been born in Bethlehem had to go there to be counted in a census. Joseph called ahead from his cell phone. The motels, hotels, and inns were filled up. Every place they passed had a no vacancy sign up. There was no room for Joseph and Mary. Then the owner of one of the inns let them stay in a stable at their farm at the edge of town. Joseph and Mary only had only hay or perhaps a lamb to use for a pillow. How wonderful that Jesus was born! Thank you, Father God for sharing your goodness with us.

When you think of how cold Joseph, Mary, and the baby, Jesus must have gotten, remember the homeless in your town. Some families live in cars because they do not have a house. Some live on the streets. Some live in empty buildings. If you have extra money, give to the Homeless Shelters. Pray that the homeless people discover faith in themselves. Pray that the homeless are able to learn the skills necessary to get a job so that they can have a place to sleep, a roof over their heads, and food to eat. Many churches have a poor box at the back of the church to help the poor. Catholic Social Services or Crisis Ministry can tell you ways to help. Many times they collect blankets and coats. Ask your parents how your church is helping the homeless. Call the mayor or the newspaper of your town. They can tell you how children and adults can help the homeless.

Say the Our Father. Ask God to shelter you from all harm. Ask God to help those without a home.

“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. Amen.”

Copyright © 2005-2006 Joan Y. Edwards