The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day

Pierre Nativity

¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave.

Nativity, by Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre (1714–89). From Wikimedia.

Almighty God, who hast given us thy only–begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we being regenerate, . . . → Read More: The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day

Christmas Eve

Chancel decorated for Christmas, 2019

O Lord Jesus Christ, thou that art higher than the highest and didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb: Humble us under thy mighty hand, that we may be accounted true citizens of the heavenly kingdom; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

. . . → Read More: Christmas Eve

On the Kalendar: Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury

December from Les Petites Heures d'Anne de Bretagne

Thomas Becket was born in Cheapside, London, to a family of somewhat better than modest means. His father Gilbert was either a small landowner or a petty knight, who may have worked for some time as a textile merchant. By the time Thomas was born, Gilbert was a property owner, living on the rental income . . . → Read More: On the Kalendar: Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury

O Rex Gentium

22 December O Rex gentium by Philip Chircop SJ

O Rex gentium, by Philip Chircop SJ. O Antiphon for 22 December.

O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.

O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you . . . → Read More: O Rex Gentium

The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Advent Wreath Advent IV

O Lord, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus . . . → Read More: The Fourth Sunday in Advent

O Oriens

21 December O Oriens by Philip Chircop SJ

O Oriens, by Philip Chircop SJ. O Antiphon for 21 December.

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Morning Star, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

From . . . → Read More: O Oriens

Winter (Advent) Ember Day: III

Nicolas Poussin Winter or The Deluge

Winter, or The Deluge, by Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). From Wikipedia.

O God, who dost ever hallow and protect thy Church: Raise up therein, through thy Spirit, good and faithful stewards of the mysteries of Christ; that by their ministry and example thy people may abide in thy favour, and be guided in . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Day: III

Saint Thomas, Apostle

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, by Caravaggio (1571–1610)

Almighty and everliving God, who, for the greater confirmation of the faith, didst suffer thy holy Apostle Thomas to be doubtful in thy Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly, and without all doubt, to believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in thy . . . → Read More: Saint Thomas, Apostle

O Clavis David

20 December O Clavis David by Philip Chircop SJ

O Clavis David, by Philip Chircop SJ. O Antiphon for 20 December.

O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you . . . → Read More: O Clavis David

Winter (Advent) Ember Day: II

Nicolas Poussin Winter or The Deluge

Winter, or The Deluge, by Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Day: II