The Third Sunday in Advent

Advent Wreath Advent III

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee: Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second . . . → Read More: The Third Sunday in Advent

Saint Lucy

Francesco del Cossa Saint Lucy

Saint Lucy, by Francesco del Cossa (c. 1430–c. 1477). From Wikimedia.

Almighty God, who didst give to thy servant Lucy boldness to confess the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers of the world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give . . . → Read More: Saint Lucy

The Second Sunday in Advent

Advent Wreath Advent II

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou . . . → Read More: The Second Sunday in Advent

Saint Nicholas of Myra

Ilja Repin Saint Nicholas of Myra saves three innocents from death

Saint Nicholas of Myra saves three innocents from death by Ilja Repin (1844–1930).

Almighty God, who in thy love didst give to thy servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and seas: Grant, we pray thee, that thy Church may never cease to work for the . . . → Read More: Saint Nicholas of Myra

Saint Clement of Alexandria

St Clement and St Peter of Alexandria

St Clement (L) and St Peter of Alexandria

O God, who hast enlightened thy Church by the teaching of thy servant Clement of Alexandria: Enrich it evermore, we beseech thee, with thy heavenly grace, and raise up faithful witnesses, who by their life and doctrine may set forth to all men the truth . . . → Read More: Saint Clement of Alexandria

The First Sunday in Advent

Advent Wreath Advent I

¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.

Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son . . . → Read More: The First Sunday in Advent

Saint Andrew, Apostle

crucifixion of St Andrew

Crucifixion of St Andrew, by Carlo Maratta (1625–1713).

Almighty God, who didst give such grace unto thy holy Apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him without delay: Grant unto us all, that we, being called by thy holy Word, may forthwith give up . . . → Read More: Saint Andrew, Apostle

The Sunday next before Advent

Trinity (celtic knot)

Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr

The Martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria

The Martyrdom of St Catherine of alexandria, Altarpiece in the Cesi chapel, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, by Girolamo Siciolante da Sermoneta (1521–c. 1580). From Wikipedia.

O God, who didst endue blessed Catherine, thy Virgin, with grace to witness a good confession, and to suffer gladly for thy name: Grant us, . . . → Read More: Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr

Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome and Martyr

Martyrdom of St Clement

Martyrdom of St Clement, by Bernardino Fungai (1460–1516).

O Lord, who in every age dost write names in thy Book of Life, and dost lead the meek of the earth to be followers of the Lamb of God: Raise up to us teachers like thy servant Clement, the disciple of thy first Apostles, . . . → Read More: Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome and Martyr