JANUARY 1, SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (A, B, C) Lectionary #18

“Theotokos,” translated as “God-bearer” or “Mother of God,” is one of the most important titles given to Mary. It is also important in clarifying the Church's belief that Jesus did not simply “become” God; he was divine from his conception. So this feast, which appears to be a feast of Mary, is actually a further clarification of the meaning of Christmas.

Numbers 6:22-27. To be able to name God and to use the divine name suggested an intimate connection between God and the people. The same is true of those who call themselves "Christians."

Psalm of the Day: Ps (66) 67 . This hymn of praise echoes phrases from the "blessing of Aaron" in the first reading; it calls on all the nations to praise God, who rules the whole world with justice.

May God Bless Us (Batastini/Gelineau) WOR 783/RS 95

May God Bless Us (Burns) PC3 44

May God Bless Us (Guimont) GC 66/RS 94

May God Bless Us (Kogut) PCY10 28

May God Bless Us (Kraehenbuehl) SMM5 28/PRM B12

O God, Be Gracious (Lee/Young) CBW 36

Galatians 4:4-7. Because we are united to Christ, we can address God as "Abba," the title that Jesus seemed to prefer to use. In fact, because Christ's spirit lives in us, we are children of God.

Luke 2:16-21. Most of this text is a reprise of the gospel reading for Christmas Mass at Dawn, which connects this feast to Christmas. It continues with the account of Jesus' circumcision and his naming. "Jesus" is the Greek version of "Joshua," which means "liberator" or "savior."

Songs for the Liturgy

*A Blessing (1) WC 752/WS 489

All Who Claim the Faith of Jesus (G) GC 787/RS 897

Ave Maria (G) WOR 713/GC 785, 789/MI-BB/RS 896, 898/GP 429/WC 954

Bwana Awabariki/May God Grant You a Blessing (1) LMGM 155/GC 587/WC 753/WS 488

Carol at the Manger (G) GC 369/RS 516

Hail Mary: Gentle Woman (G) GP 426/JS 739/GC 782/MI-BB/WC 956/WS 685

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (2) WOR 387/JS 195/CBW 323/WC 469/GP 317/LMGM 13/BB 87/GC 348/RS 502/WS 358

I Sing a Maid (G) GC 781/CBW 462/RS 899

*Jesus Christ, Yesterday, Today and Forever (C) RS 679/GC 745/WC 705/WS 505

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (G) WOR 374/GP 320/LMGM 24/BB/JS 168/WC 475/GC 368/WS 368

*Lord, Today (E) RS 536/GC 375/GP 338

Magnificat/Canticle of Mary (2) WOR 15, 87, 88, 534, 553/WC 208, 226, 436, 437, 438/MI-BB /RS 17, 209, 210, 211, 656, 675/GP 163, 291, 292, 427, 428, 433, 434, 436/GC 14, 145, 146, 534, 788/CBW 14I, 575, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678/JS 144, 175, 497, 498, 502, 600, 640, 721, 772/WS 29, 334

Mary, Full of Grace (G) JS 500/MI-BB

Mary, Woman of the Promise (2,G) CBW 465/MI-BB

Mary's Joy (G) JS 231

*May God Bless and Keep You (1,Ps) JS 529/MI-BB/GP 623

*May God Bless You (1,Ps) JS 567/MI-BB/GP 467

*May the Lord Bless You (1,Ps) MI-BB

*May the Lord, Mighty God (1,Ps) RS 721/GC 589

O Chosen One (2,G) GP 435

O God, Our Help in Ages Past (New Year) WOR 579/CBW 644/GP 613/LMGM 230/MI-BB/JS 405/WC 823/GC 614/RS 735/WS 589

O Holy Mary (G) JS 499/MI-BB

Of the Father's Love Begotten (2) WOR 398/CBW 330/JS 200/WC 483/BB/GC 351/RS 510

Salamu Maria LMGM 98

She Will Show Us the Promised One (G) WC 967

Sing of Mary (G) WOR 404/GP 432/LMGM 100/MI-BB/JS 503/WC 965/GC 783/RS 528/WS 681

Stainless the Maiden (G) WC 957

The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky (2,G) WOR 405/CBW 464/MI-BB/JS 501

The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (G) GC 345/RS 501

There Is Nothing Told (G) GP 431/MI-BB

Virgin Born, We Bow before You (G) WOR 403/RS 527

What Child Is This (G) WOR 411/CBW 338/GP 337/LMGM 29/BB/JS 209/WC 501/GC 380/RS 530/WS 360