Following are the Sarum/English Propers, Readings and Psalms for the Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays of the year. Beginning with Advent Sunday, scroll down through the Church year. Western Riters on the Old Calendar will start Advent at the beginning of December and of course, have five Sundays in Advent. This is an ongoing work and incomplete:

ADVENT I

MATINS Ps. i Beatus vir, qui non abiit.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly nor stood in the way of sinners : And hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord : And in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side : That will bring forth his fruit in due season.
His leaf also shall not wither : And look whatsoever he doeth it shall prosper.
As for the ungodly it is not so with them : But they are like the chaff which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement : Neither the sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : And the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : An to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps vii. Domine, Deus meus

The Lord shall judge the people give sentence with me O Lord : According to my righteousness and according to the innocency that is in me.
O let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end : But guide Thou the just.
For the righteous God : Trieth the very hearts and reins.
My help cometh of God : Who preserveth them that are true of heart
God is a righteous Judge strong and patient : And God is provoked every day.
If a man will not turn He will whet His sword : He hath bent His bow and made it ready.
He hath prepared for him the instruments of death : He ordaineth His arrows against the persecutors.
Behold he travaileth with mischief : He hath conceived sorrow and brought forth ungodliness.
He hath graven and digged up a pit : And is fallen on himself into the destruction that he made for other.
For his travail shall come upon his own head : And his wickedness shall fall on his own pate.
I will give thanks unto the Lord according to His righteousness : And I will praise the Name of the Lord most High.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

ADVENT I
The First Lesson is written in the first chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the first verse.

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: For the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: But Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: They have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises, and putrifying sores: They have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: Your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: They are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: Yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: Your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the third chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John, beginning at the first verse.

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Here endeth the Second Lesson.
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Here followeth the Great Litany and the hymn Veni, veni, Emmanuel
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THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Unto Thee will I lift up my soul: My God, I have put my trust in Thee: O let me not be confounded: Neither let mine enemies triumph over me: For all they that hope in Thee shall not be ashamed. Shew me Thy ways, O Lord: And teach me Thy paths.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
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, Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to life immortal, through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever.
R: Amen.

Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy power, and come, that we may be accounted worthy to be rescued by Thy protection from the threatening dangers of our sins to be set free by Thy deliverance Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O God, Who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, at the message of an Angel; grant to us Thy humble servants, that we, who do believe her to be the Mother of God, may be holpen by her prayers before Thee, through the same Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE ROMANS, BEGINNING AT THE ELEVENTH VERSE.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
For all they that hope in Thee shall not be ashamed : But such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion. Shew me Thy ways O Lord : And teach me Thy paths. Alleluia. Lord Thou art become gracious unto Thy land : Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy people : And covered all their sins.
Thou hast taken away all Thy displeasure : And turned Thyself from Thy wrathful indignation.
Turn us then O God our Saviour : And let Thine anger cease from us.
Wilt Thou be displeased at us for ever : And wilt Thou stretch out Thy wrath from one generation to another?
Wilt Thou not turn again and quicken us : That Thy people may rejoice in Thee?
Shew us Thy mercy O Lord : And grant us Thy salvation.
I will hearken what the Lord God will say concerning me : For He shall speak peace unto His people and to His saints that they turn not again.
For His salvation is nigh them that fear Him : That glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth are met together : Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth shall flourish out of the earth : And righteousness hath looked down from heaven.
Yea the Lord shall shew loving-kindness : And our land shall give her increase.
Righteousness shall go before Him : And He shall direct His going in the way. Alleluia.

THE GOSPEL FOR ADVENT SUNDAY

V:   THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:   AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:   THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.
R:   GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ When they drew nigh unto Jerusalem and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two Disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: Loose them, and bring them unto Me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, the Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass. And the Disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them and brought the ass and the colt and put on them their clothes and they set Him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when He was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the Temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My House shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

R: Praise be to Thee O Christ.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Unto Thee O Lord will I lift up my soul my God I have put my trust in Thee : O let me not be confounded neither let mine enemies triumph over me. For all they that hope in Thee shall not be ashamed.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps xxv. Ad te, Domine, levavi

Unto Thee O Lord will I lift up my soul my God I have put my trust in Thee : O let me not be confounded neither let mine enemies triumph over me.
For all they that hope in Thee shall not be ashamed : But such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion.
Shew me Thy ways O Lord : And teach me Thy paths.
Lead me forth in Thy truth and learn me : For Thou art the God of my salvation in Thee hath been my hope all the day long.
Call to remembrance O Lord Thy tender mercies : And Thy loving-kindnesses which have been ever of old.
O remember not the sins and offences of my youth : But according to Thy mercy think Thou upon me O Lord for Thy goodness.
Gracious and righteous is the Lord : And so He teacheth sinners in the way.
Them that are meek shall He guide in judgement : And such as are gentle them shall He learn His way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth : Unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Thy Name’s sake O Lord : Be merciful unto my sin for it is great.
What man is he that feareth the Lord : Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.
His soul shall dwell at ease : And his seed shall inherit the land.
The secret of the Lord is among them that fear him : And He will shew them His covenant.
Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord : For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn Thee unto me and have mercy upon me : For I am desolate and in misery
The sorrows of my heart are enlarged : O bring Thou me out of my troubles.
Look upon my adversity and misery : And forgive me all my sin.
Consider mine enemies how many they are : And they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
O keep my soul and deliver me : Let me not be confounded for I have put my trust in Thee.
Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me : For my hope hath been in Thee.
Deliver Israel O God : Out of all his troubles.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE SECRET FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Grant O Lord, that these Holy Mysteries may cleanse us by their mighty power, and ever advance us in purity till we come to Thee, Who art their source. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
The Lord shall shew loving kindness : Our land shall give her increase.

During the Ablutions: Ps xxvi Judica me, Domine

Be Thou my judge O Lord for I have walked innocently : My trust hath been also in the Lord therefore shall I not fall.
Examine me O Lord, and prove me : Try out my reins and my heart.
For Thy loving-kindness is ever before mine eyes : And I will walk in Thy truth.
I have not dwelt with vain persons : Neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful.

I have hated the congregation of the wicked : And will not sit among the ungodly.
I will wash my hands in innocency O Lord : And so will I go to Thine altar.
That I may shew the voice of thanksgiving : And tell of all Thy wondrous works.
Lord I have loved the habitation of Thy house : And the place where Thine honour dwelleth.
O shut not up my soul with the sinners : Nor my life with the blood-thirsty.
In whose hands is wickedness : And their right hand is full of gifts.
But as for me I will walk innocently : O deliver me and be merciful unto me.
My foot standeth right : I will praise the Lord in the congregations.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

Ps xxviii Ad te, Domine

Unto Thee will I cry O Lord my strength : Think no scorn of me lest if Thou make as though Thou hearest not I become like them that go down into the pit.
Hear the voice of my humble petitions when I cry unto Thee : When I hold up my hands towards the mercy-seat of Thy holy temple.
O pluck me not away neither destroy me with the ungodly and wicked doers : Which speak friendly to their neighbours but imagine mischief in their hearts.
Reward them according to their deeds : And according to the wickedness of their own inventions.
Recompense them after the work of their hands : Pay them that they have deserved.
For they regard not in their mind the works of the Lord nor the operation of His hands : Therefore shall He break them down and not build them up.
Praised be the Lord : For He hath heard the voice of my humble petitions.
The Lord is my strength and my shield my heart hath trusted in Him and I am helped : Therefore my heart danceth for joy and in my song will I praise Him.
The Lord is my strength : And He is the wholesome defence of His Anointed.
O save Thy people and give Thy blessing unto Thine inheritance : Feed them and set them up for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Shew unto us, O Lord, Thy loving-kindness in the midst of the Temple, and help us with due reverence to prepare for the coming feast of our restoration. Through Jesus Christ our Lord; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
We beseech Thee Almighty God that by these Thy means of grace, Thou wouldst heal our iniquities, and pour upon us eternal blessings. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
Grant, O God, that as Thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ at His first Advent, came to seek and to save that which was lost, so at His Second, and glorious appearing, He may find in us the fruits of the redemption which He wrought; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.

SERMON

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Once again, at the outset of the Christian year, on this first Sunday of Advent, we contemplate the everpresent King, the Saviour Who came and Who will come again to this earth. Luke 4:16-22 is an admirable early Advent text which reads: “And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: And, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And He began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears”.
The Law which governed Israel as a theocracy from the time of Moses until the time of Christ foreshadowed Christ. The Jubilee Year, (the acceptable year of the Lord) brought freedom from financial debts. Christ is our freedom from our debts to God: The offences which we have committed throughout our lives. Here we see Christ’s fulfillment of all of the Old Testament’s Law. “Advent” means “coming.” Christ comes to man in Bethlehem, in His Word and He will come again on Judgment Day. We in Advent look forward to that Second Coming and we prepare ourselves as we await Him. Not only does Christ fulfill all of the Old Testament Law, but He fulfills all the Messianic Promises in the Old Testament. In the above text He fulfills Isaiah 61:1-3. In Acts 10:43 Peter said: “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His Name, whoever believes in Him will receive the remission of sins.” Jesus said (John 5:39): “Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” In Luke 24:27 we are told: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He (Christ) expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Verse 18 of our text plainly mentions all three persons of the Trinity just as do John 14:16 and 15:26. Today is the first day of the new church year.
Our meeting with Christ – one way or another – is imminent. More imminent than most of us are willing to admit. Now is the time for each of us to prepare, to examine ourselves in the light of a really imminent confrontation with God.
We ask that we, ourselves, our souls and bodies may be a reasonable, holy and lively sacrifice to God. Reasonable, Holy and Lively: Acceptable to God, holy as He requires of us and spiritually alive. We must be in good standing with God in order to receive the Holy Mystery, and we must be in good standing when we come before Him, as we most surely will.
It is no use putting off the day of examination. Better that we reckon with ourselves now, and correct our many shortcomings, than that we put it off and have to explain those uncorrected shortcomings to God Himself.
We utilise the Advent season of contemplation of the Second Coming of Christ to examine and prepare ourselves. To that end we fast – as this is a season of fasting. This is a sober season because thinking about our many shortcomings is a very sobering thing to do.
Fasting isn’t some formalised thing that the Church expects of us, it is a real, a serious thing that we do for our own good. We don’t do it because the Church instructs us to do it, we do it because we desperately need to do it. If we haven’t realised that, then we have probably missed most of the point of Christianity. This life isn’t the whole thing – it is merely the short introduction to Life. We are still at school, we are still preparing.
None of us is wise, nor are we experienced in terms of the Life that we must lead beyond this introduction. Understanding the importance of what we do now is vital to us. It behoves us therefore to think a great deal about where we are going and just how prepared we are for the real task ahead of us. Today we should wish people a joyous and happy New Year in Jesus Christ.

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ADVENT II

MATTINS

Ps. lvi. Miserere mei, Deus
Be merciful unto me O God, for man goeth about to devour me : He is daily fighting and troubling me.
Mine enemies are daily in hand to swallow me up : For they be many that fight against me O Thou most Highest.
Nevertheless though I am sometime afraid : Yet put I my trust in Thee.
I will praise God because of His word : I have put my trust in God and will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
They daily mistake my words : All that they imagine is to do me evil.
They hold all together and keep themselves close : And mark my steps when they lay wait for my soul.
Shall they escape for their wickedness : Thou O God in Thy displeasure shalt cast them down.
Thou tellest my flittings put my tears into Thy bottle : Are not these things noted in Thy book.
Whensoever I call upon Thee then shall mine enemies be put to flight : This I know for God is on my side.
In God’s word I will rejoice : In the Lord’s word will I comfort me.
Yea in God have I put my trust : I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Unto Thee O God will I pay my vows : Unto Thee will I give thanks.
For Thou hast delivered my soul from death and my feet from falling : That I may walk before God in the light of the living.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. lvii. Miserere mei, Deus

Be merciful unto me O God be merciful unto me for my soul trusteth in Thee : And under the shadow of Thy wings shall be my refuge until this tyranny be over-past.
I will call unto the most high God : Even unto the God that shall perform the cause which I have in hand.
He shall send from heaven : And save me from the reproof of him that would eat me up.
God shall send forth His mercy and truth : My soul is among lions.
And I lie even among the children of men that are set on fire : Whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongue a sharp sword
Set up Thyself O God above the heavens : And Thy glory above all the earth.
They have laid a net for my feet and pressed down my soul : They have digged a pit before me and are fallen into the midst of it themselves.
My heart is fixed O God my heart is fixed : I will sing and give praise.
Awake up my glory awake lute and harp : I myself will awake right early.
I will give thanks unto Thee O Lord among the people : And I will sing unto Thee among the nations.
For the greatness of Thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens : And Thy truth unto the clouds.
Set up Thyself O God above the heavens : And Thy glory above all the earth.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. lviii. Si vere utique
Are your minds set upon righteousness O ye congregation : And do ye judge the thing that is right O ye sons of men.
Yea ye imagine mischief in your heart upon the earth : And your hands deal with wickedness.
The ungodly are froward even from their mother’s womb : As soon as they are born they go astray and speak lies.
They are as venomous as the poison of a serpent : Even like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ears.
Which refuseth to hear the voice of the charmer : Charm he never so wisely.
Break their teeth O God in their mouths smite the jaw-bones of the lions O Lord : Let them fall away like water that runneth apace and when they shoot their arrows let them be rooted out.
Let them consume away like a snail and be like the untimely fruit of a woman : And let them not see the sun.
Or ever your pots be made hot with thorns : So let indignation vex him even as a thing that is raw.
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance : He shall wash his footsteps in the blood of the ungodly.
So that a man shall say Verily there is a reward for the righteous : Doubtless there is a God that judgeth the earth.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the fifth chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the first verse

Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: It shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: And he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; For righteousness, but behold a cry. Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! In mine ears said the Lord of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah. Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: And their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: And their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: That say, Let Him make speed, and hasten His work, that we may see it: And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: Because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against His people, and He hath stretched forth His hand against them, and hath smitten them: And the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. And He will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: And, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirl-wind: Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: Yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it. And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: And if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The second lesson is written in the fifth chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John, beginning at the nineteenth verse.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: For what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: And He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: For the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of Mine own self do nothing: As I hear, I judge: And My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me. If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of Me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of Me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: For the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me. And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And ye have not His word abiding in you: For whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: And they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Stir up, we beseech Thee O Lord, our hearts, that we may prepare the way of Thy only-begotten: That by His coming we may be accounted worthy to serve Thee with purified hearts, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
People of Sion behold, the Lord shall come to save the nations and the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard in the gladness of your hearts. Hear O Thou Shepherd of Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Stir up, we beseech Thee O Lord, our hearts, that we may prepare the way of Thy only-begotten: That by His coming we may be accounted worthy to serve Thee with purified hearts, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Almighty God, Who through Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast ordained this Holy Mystery, accept we pray Thee our thanks that Thy holy Liturgy is preserved for us throughout the age of Thy Church here in earth, and grant that we who participate with faith and thanksgiving may continue in Thy love and come to Thy eternal joy, through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God,world without end.
R: Amen.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Out of Sion hath God appeared in perfect beauty: Our God shall openly come. Gather My saints together unto me: Those that have made a covenant with Me with sacrifice.
Alleluia. The powers of Heaven shall be shaken: And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
The Lord even the most mighty God, hath spoken : And called the world from the rising up of the sun unto the going down thereof.
Out of Sion hath God appeared : In perfect beauty.
Our God shall come and shall not keep silence : There shall go before Him a consuming fire and a mighty tempest shall be stirred up round about Him.
He shall call the heaven from above : And the earth that He may judge His people.
Gather my saints together unto Me : Those that have made a covenant with Me with sacrifice.
And the heavens shall declare His righteousness : For God is Judge Himself.
Hear O my people and I will speak : I Myself will testify against thee O Israel for I am God, even thy God.
I will not reprove thee because of thy sacrifices or for thy burnt-offerings : Because they were not alway before Me.
I will take no bullock out of thine house : Nor he-goat out of thy folds.
For all the beasts of the forest are Mine : And so are the cattle upon a thousand hills.
I know all the fowls upon the mountains : And the wild beasts of the field are in My sight.
If I be hungry I will not tell thee : For the whole world is mine and all that is therein.
Thinkest thou that I will eat bulls’ flesh : And drink the blood of goats?
Offer unto God thanksgiving : And pay thy vows unto the most Highest.
And call upon Me in the time of trouble : So will I hear thee and thou shalt praise Me.
But unto the ungodly said God : Why dost thou preach My laws and takest My covenant in thy mouth;
Whereas thou hatest to be reformed : And has cast My words behind thee?
When thou sawest a thief thou consentedst unto him : And hast been partaker with the adulterers.
Thou hast let thy mouth speak wickedness : And with thy tongue thou hast set forth deceit.
Thou satest and spakest against thy brother : Yea and hast slandered thine own mother’s son.
These things hast thou done and I held My tongue and thou thoughtest wickedly that I am even such a one as thyself : But I will reprove thee and set before thee the things that thou hast done.
O consider this ye that forget God : Lest I pluck you away and there be none to deliver you.
Whoso offereth Me thanks and praise he honoureth Me : And to him that ordereth his conversation right will I shew the salvation of God.
Alleluia.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Wilt Thou not turn again and quicken us, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee: Shew us Thy mercy, O Lord: And grant us Thy Salvation. Lord, Thou art become gracious unto the land: Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob: Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy people. Mercy and truth are met together: Truth shall flourish out of the earth, and righteousness hath looked down from Heaven.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. lxxxv. Benedixisti, Domine

Lord Thou art become gracious unto Thy land : Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy people : And covered all their sins.
Thou hast taken away all Thy displeasure : And turned Thyself from Thy wrathful indignation.
Turn us then O God our Saviour : And let Thine anger cease from us.
Wilt Thou be displeased at us for ever : And wilt Thou stretch out Thy wrath from one generation to another?
Wilt thou not turn again and quicken us : That Thy people may rejoice in Thee?
Shew us Thy mercy O Lord : And grant us Thy salvation.
I will hearken what the Lord God will say concerning me : For He shall speak peace unto His people and to His saints that they turn not again.
For His salvation is nigh them that fear Him : That glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth are met together : Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth shall flourish out of the earth : And righteousness hath looked down from heaven.
Yea the Lord shall shew loving-kindness : And our land shall give her increase.
Righteousness shall go before him : And he shall direct his going in the way.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. lxxx Qui regis Israel

Hear O Thou Shepherd of Israel Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep : Shew Thyself also Thou that sittest upon the cherubims.
Before Ephraim Benjamin and Manasses : Stir up Thy strength, and come and help us.
Turn us again O God : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
O Lord God of hosts : How long wilt Thou be angry with Thy people that prayeth?
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears : And givest them plenteousness of tears to drink.
Thou hast made us a very strife unto our neighbours : And our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Turn us again Thou God of hosts : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt : Thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it.
Thou madest room for it : And when it had taken root it filled the land.
The hills were covered with the shadow of it : And the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedar-trees.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

SECRET FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Lord, we beseech Thee to favourably accept the prayers and oblations of Thy humble servants, and forasmuch as we have no merits of our own to plead, do Thou assist us with Thy protection. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During the Communion and Ablutions:

THE COMMUNION FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Jerusalem rise up and stand on high, and behold the joy that cometh unto thee from thy God.

Ps. lxv. Te decet hymnus

Thou O God art praised in Sion : And unto Thee shall the vow be performed in Jerusalem.
Thou that hearest the prayer : Unto Thee shall all flesh come.
My misdeeds prevail against me : O be Thou merciful unto our sins.
Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest and receivest unto Thee : He shall dwell in Thy court and shall be satisfied with the pleasures of Thy house even of Thy holy temple.
Thou shalt shew us wonderful things in Thy righteousness O God of our salvation : Thou that art the hope of all the ends of the earth and of them that remain in the broad sea.
Who in His strength setteth fast the mountains : And is girded about with power.
Who stilleth the raging of the sea : And the noise of his waves and the madness of the people.
They also that dwell in the uttermost parts of the earth shall be afraid at Thy tokens : Thou that makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to praise Thee.
Thou visitest the earth and blessest it : Thou makest it very plenteous.
The river of God is full of water : Thou preparest their corn for so Thou providest for the earth.
Thou waterest her furrows Thou sendest rain into the little valleys thereof : Thou makest it soft with the drops of rain and blessest the increase of it.
Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness : And Thy clouds drop fatness.
They shall drop upon the dwellings of the wilderness : And the little hills shall rejoice on every side.
The folds shall be full of sheep : The valleys also shall stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. lxvi. Jubilate Deo

O be joyful in God all ye lands : Sing praises unto the honour of His Name make His praise to be glorious.
Say unto God O how wonderful art Thou in Thy works : Through the greatness of Thy power shall Thine enemies be found liars unto Thee.
For all the world shall worship Thee : Sing of Thee and praise Thy Name.
O come hither and behold the works of God : How wonderful He is in His doing toward the children of men.
He turned the sea into dry land : So that they went through the water on foot there did we rejoice thereof.
He ruleth with His power for ever His eyes behold the people : And such as will not believe shall not be able to exalt themselves.
O praise our God ye people : And make the voice of His praise to be heard;
Who holdeth our soul in life : And suffereth not our feet to slip.
For Thou O God hast proved us : Thou also hast tried us like as silver is tried.
Thou broughtest us into the snare : And laidest trouble upon our loins.
Thou sufferedst men to ride over our heads : We went through fire and water and Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
I will go into Thine house with burnt-offerings : And will pay Thee my vows which I promised with my lips and spake with my mouth when I was in trouble.
I will offer unto Thee fat burnt-sacrifices with the incense of rams : I will offer bullocks and goats.
O come hither and hearken all ye that fear God : And I will tell you what He hath done for my soul.
I called unto Him with my mouth : And gave Him praises with my tongue.
If I incline unto wickedness with mine heart : The Lord will not hear me.
But God hath heard me : And considered the voice of my prayer.
Praised be God, who hath not cast out my prayer : nor turned his mercy from me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Refreshed by the food and drink of our spiritual nourishment, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, to teach us, who have been partakers of these Holy Mysteries, to despise earthly things, and to love only such things as be Heavenly. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
Grant, O God, that as Thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ at His first Advent, came to seek and to save that which was lost, so at His Second, and glorious appearing, He may find in us the fruits of the redemption which He wrought; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
We beseech Thee O Lord, pour Thy grace into our hearts; that as we have known the incarnation of Thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an Angel, so by His Cross and Passion, we may be brought into the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end
R:   Amen.

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

As we thought about Advent last Sunday, we saw that this is a period of radical re-thinking of our way of spiritual and moral living and of looking forward to the coming of Christ.
Radical re-thinking. We so often have no understanding of our transgressions. We simply fail to understand the depth and seriousness of the apparently minor transgressions that we take as almost inevitable in the course of our daily lives. The “white” lie, the dismissiveness towards others’ sensitivities, the pure thoughtlessness, the aggression in pursuit of our own way, the petty dishonesties, the pervasive judgementalism. We constantly judge others, in particular, we judge those whom we think to be weaker than we are, those addicted to alcohol, or gambling or drugs. We are all addicted in one way or another, so it ill-behoves us to look down on the perhaps more obvious addictions of others. For a start, we are all addicted to transgression – otherwise we wouild be able to stop. Each one of us has what used to be called our “besetting sin” – our personal addiction to a particular sin. In Advent, we are particularly called by the Church to consider our failings and, by prayer and fasting, to seek to amend them. We do this in the light of the coming of Christ and our desperate need to ready ourselves.
Let us consider this looking forward to the Coming of Christ. We know as a simple matter of fact that Jesus, the son of Mary, was the Incarnate Son of God and was here in this world for thirty odd years at a particular place and time. We know too that He had quite a lot to say which we have available, to read for ourselves. We know all that – it is not a matter for question or contention among us. So we “believe” that Jesus is in fact God. That all relates to the coming of Jesus into the world around two thousand years ago. But there is far more than that. In this season, and the Holy Nativity, we are thinking about His Second Coming into this world.
It is very popular in the liberal Churches to express much of the New Testament (that isn’t possible to do so) – in allegorical terms – and perhaps nothing more so than the Second Coming of Christ. It is an uncomfortable thought for those who lead Christian people astray, that there will come a time when Christ turns up here and requires answers. For a start, it smacks of the supernatural – and they wish to divest the New Testament of as much of the supernatural as possible. The CHURCH however, teaches that the Second Coming is a frighteningly real matter which WILL happen. We admit that we haven’t the faintest idea when it will happen – but happen it will. Christ WILL come here again. It may be quite soon – who knows? The point is that we must, for our own good, read as much as possible about it in the New Testament and be sure that we know exactly what the Church teaches about the Second Coming. That way we can see why it is important that we prepare ourselves constantly. So in Advent we reflect, we re-think our ways and we renew our resolve to align ourselves totally with God and His will. That’s it in a nutshell: Aligning ourselves without reservation, no fingers crossed behind our backs, with what Jesus taught us. That is why the additions to the Liturgy throughout this season, refer constantly to this Second Coming, which He Himself emphasised again and again. We read “The night is far spent, the day is at hand”. Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus telling us that His Second Coming will be an event that will be both spectacular and massively important to everyone. At this Second Coming, we will be made fully conscious in the power of the Divine Light, we will be conscious of all that we did in rejection of God’s love and that consciousness itself will form either the terrors of hell or the joys of Heaven, according to the individual.

And I say unto all you who have received this seal: Keep simplicity and remember not the offences which are committed against you, nor continue in malice or in bitterness through the memory of offences. Become one spirit, and provide remedies for those evil rents and remove them from you; that the Lord of the sheep may rejoice at it, for He will rejoice, if He find all whole. But if the sheep shall be found scattered away, woe to the shepherds. But and if the shepherds themselves shall be scattered, what shall they answer to the Lord of the sheepfold?…. Wherefore restore unto Him the spirit entire, as ye received it. III Hermas 9:263-265 & 269

THE WEDNESDAY AFTER ADVENT II

All of the propers are as for the preceding Sunday, unless a major feast.

The Lesson for the Epistle is written in the eighth verse of the Book of the Prophet Zechariah, beginning at the third verse.

Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE ELEVENTH VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
R: Praise be to Thee O Christ.

THE FRIDAY AFTER ADVENT II

All of the propers are as for the preceding Sunday, unless a major feast.

The Lesson for the Epistle is written in the sixty-second chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the sixth verse

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, till he establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. The Lord hath sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness. Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: And thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTEENTH VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ John bear witness of Him, and cried, saying, This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: For He was before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.

R: Praise be to Thee O Christ.

____________________________________________

ADVENT III

MATTINS
Ps. xc Domine, refugium
Lord Thou hast been our refuge : From one generation to another.
Before the mountains were brought forth or ever the earth and the world were made : Thou art God from everlasting and world without end.
Thou turnest man to destruction : Again Thou sayest Come again ye children of men.
For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday : Seeing that is past as a watch in the night.
As soon as Thou scatterest them they are even as a sleep : And fade away suddenly like the grass.
In the morning it is green and groweth up : But in the evening it is cut down dried up and withered.
For we consume away in Thy displeasure : And are afraid at Thy wrathful indignation.
Thou hast set our misdeeds before Thee : And our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance.
For when Thou art angry all our days are gone : We bring our years to an end as it were a tale that is told.
The days of our age are threescore years and ten and though the strong may come to fourscore years : Yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow.
So soon passeth it away : And we are gone.
But who regardeth the power of Thy wrath : For even thereafter as a man feareth so is Thy displeasure.
So teach us to number our days : That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Turn Thee again O Lord at the last : And be gracious unto Thy servants.
O satisfy us with Thy mercy and that soon : So shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
Comfort us again after the time that Thou hast plagued us : And for the years wherein we have suffered adversity.
Shew Thy servants Thy work : And their children Thy glory.
And the glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us : Prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us O prosper Thou our handywork.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. xci Qui habitat

Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the most High : Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say unto the Lord Thou art my hope, and my strong hold : my God in Him will I trust.
For He shall deliver Thee from the snare of the hunter : And from the noisome pestilence.
He shall defend thee under His wings and thou shalt be safe under His feathers : His faithfulness and truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night : Nor for the arrow that flieth by day,
For the pestilence that walketh in darkness : Nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon-day.
A thousand shall fall beside thee and ten thousand at thy right hand : But it shall not come nigh thee.
Yea with thine eyes shalt thou behold : And see the reward of the ungodly.
For Thou Lord art my hope : Thou hast set Thine house of defence very high.
There shall no evil happen unto thee : Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For He shall give His angels charge over thee : To keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee in their hands : That thou hurt not thy foot against a stone
Thou shalt go upon the lion and adder : The young lion and the dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet.
Because He hath set his love upon Me therefore will I deliver him : I will set him up because he hath known My Name.
He shall call upon me, and I will hear him : Yea I am with him in trouble I will deliver him and bring him to honour.
With long life will I satisfy him : And shew him My salvation.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. xcii Bonum est confiteri

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord : And to sing praises unto Thy Name O most Highest.
To tell of Thy loving-kindness early in the morning : And of Thy truth in the night-season.
Upon an instrument of ten strings and upon the lute : Upon a loud instrument and upon the harp.
For Thou Lord hast made me glad through Thy works : And I will rejoice in giving praise for the operations of Thy hands.
O Lord how glorious are Thy works : Thy thoughts are very deep.
An unwise man doth not well consider this : And a fool doth not understand it.
When the ungodly are green as the grass and when all the workers of wickedness do flourish : Then shall they be destroyed for ever but Thou Lord art the most Highest for evermore.
For lo Thine enemies O Lord lo Thine enemies shall perish : And all the workers of wickedness shall be destroyed.
But mine horn shall be exalted like the horn of an unicorn : For I am anointed with fresh oil.
Mine eye also shall see his lust of mine enemies : And mine ear shall hear his desire of the wicked that arise up against me.
The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree : And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Lebanon.
Such as are planted in the house of the Lord : Shall flourish in the courts of
the house of our God.
They also shall bring forth more fruit in their age : And shall be fat and well-liking.
That they may shew how true the Lord my strength is : And that there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the twenty-fifth chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the first verse.

O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. For Thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: A palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built. Therefore shall the strong people glorify Thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear Thee. For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: The branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low. And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: For the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: This is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the third chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, beginning at the first verse.

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptised of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: For I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: Every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptised, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptise you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
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 Coming, to judge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in Thy sight, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Rejoice in the Lord alway : And again, I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men : The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing : But in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God. And the Peace of God which passeth all understanding : Shall keep your hearts and minds.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
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 Coming, to judge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in Thy sight, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R:        Amen.
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, Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to life immortal, through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever.
R:        Amen.
O God, Who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, at the message of an Angel; grant to us Thy humble servants, that we, who do believe her to be the Mother of God, may be holpen by her prayers before Thee, through the same Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:        Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: Yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: But He that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: And then shall every man have praise of God.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Lord, Who sittest upon the Cherubim, raise up Thy power and come. Hear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. Alleluia.
Hear O thou Shepherd of Israel Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep : Shew Thyself also Thou that sittest upon the cherubims.
Before Ephraim Benjamin and Manasses : Stir up Thy strength, and come and help us.
Turn us again O God : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
O Lord God of hosts : How long wilt Thou be angry with Thy people that prayeth.
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears : And givest them plenteousness of tears to drink.
Thou hast made us a very strife unto our neighbours : And our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Turn us again Thou God of hosts : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt : Thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it.
Thou madest room for it : And when it had taken root it filled the land.
The hills were covered with the shadow of it : And the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedar-trees.
She stretched out her branches unto the sea : And her boughs unto the river.
Why hast Thou then broken down her hedge : That all they that go by pluck off her grapes?
The wild boar out of the wood doth root it up : And the wild beasts of the field devour it.
Turn thee again Thou God of hosts look down from heaven : Behold and visit this vine;
And the place of the vineyard that Thy right hand hath planted : And the branch that Thou madest so strong for Thyself.
It is burnt with fire and cut down : And they shall perish at the rebuke of Thy countenance.
Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand : And upon the son of man whom Thou madest so strong for Thine own self.
And so will not we go back from Thee : O let us live, and we shall call upon Thy Name.
Turn us again O Lord God of hosts : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole. Alleluia.

V:       THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:       AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:       THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW,
BEGINNING AT THE SECOND VERSE.
R:       GLORY BE +++TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto Him, Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written, behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Lord, Thou art become gracious unto the land: Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob: Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy people. Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps lxxxvi. Inclina, Domine

Bow down Thine ear O Lord and hear me : For I am poor and in misery.
Preserve Thou my soul for I am holy : My God save Thy servant that putteth his trust in Thee.
Be merciful unto me O Lord : For I will call daily upon Thee.
Comfort the soul of Thy servant : For unto Thee O Lord do I lift up my soul.
For Thou Lord art good and gracious : And of great mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.
Give ear Lord unto my prayer : And ponder the voice of my humble desires.
In the time of my trouble I will call upon Thee : For Thou hearest me.
Among the gods there is none like unto Thee O Lord : There is not one that can do as Thou doest.
All nations whom Thou hadst made shall come and worship Thee O Lord : And shall glorify Thy Name.
For Thou art great and doest wondrous things : Thou art God alone.
Teach me Thy way O Lord and I will walk in Thy truth : O knit my heart unto Thee that I may fear Thy Name.
I will thank Thee O Lord my God with all my heart : And will praise Thy Name for evermore.
For great is Thy mercy toward me : And Thou hast delivered my soul from the nethermost hell.
O God the proud are risen against me : And the congregations of naughty men have sought after my soul and have not set Thee before their eyes.
But thou O Lord God art full of compassion and mercy : Long-suffering plenteous in goodness and truth.
O turn Thee then unto me and have mercy upon me : Give Thy strength unto Thy servant and help the son of Thine handmaid.
Shew some token upon me for good that they who hate me may see it and be ashamed : Because Thou Lord hast holpen me and comforted me.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Lord, we beseech Thee let the offering of our devotion be continually presented before Thee: That the purpose of these Holy Mysteries, even our salvation, may be wondrously wrought and perfected in us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During the Priest’s Communion and Ablutions:

THE COMMUNION FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Say to them that are of a fearful heart Be strong, fear not : Behold, your God will come and save you.

Ps xxvi. Dominus illuminatio

The Lord is my light and my salvation whom then shall I fear : The Lord is the strength of my life of whom then shall I be afraid.
When the wicked even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh : They stumbled and fell.
Though an host of men were laid against me yet shall not my heart be afraid : And though there rose up war against me yet will I put my trust in Him.
One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require : Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit His temple.
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His tabernacle : Yea in the secret place of His dwelling shall He hide me and set me up upon a rock of stone.
And now shall He lift up mine head : Above mine enemies round about me.
Therefore will I offer in His dwelling an oblation with great gladness : I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.
Hearken unto my voice O Lord when I cry unto Thee : Have mercy upon me and hear me.
My heart hath talked of Thee Seek ye my face : Thy face Lord, will I seek.
O hide not Thou Thy face from me : Nor cast Thy servant away in displeasure.
Thou hast been my succour : Leave me not neither forsake me O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me : The Lord taketh me up.
Teach me the way O Lord : And lead in the right way because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries : For there are false witnesses risen up against me and such as speak wrong.
I should utterly have fainted : But that I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
O tarry thou the Lord’s leisure : Be strong and He shall comfort thine heart and put thou thy trust in the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

Ps xxviii Ad te, Domine

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
We implore, O Lord, Thy mercy, that by this Heavenly help, we may be cleansed from our offences and made ready for the coming feast. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.
Almighty and merciful God, Who for Thy thirsty people didst bring a fountain of living water out of the rock,: Draw forth from the hardness of our heart the tears of compunction, that we may be able to bewail our sins and be found worthy to obtain Thy merciful pardon. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end.
R:        Amen.
Grant, O God, that as Thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ at His first Advent, came to seek and to save that which was lost, so at His Second, and glorious appearing, He may find in us the fruits of the redemption which He wrought; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.

NEXT SUNDAY 25th: ADVENT IV
SAINT FINAN founder of Skellig Michael Monastery +500s;
Celebration of seven centuries of Orthodox monasticism in the British Isles and Europe
There is no fast because it is Sunday and a major feast

THE WEDNESDAY AFTER ADVENT III

The Collectsand propers remain those of the preceding Sunday unless a major feast.

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE SECOND BOOK OF THE PROPHET ESDRAS, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-SECOND VERSE.

Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye were in the wilderness, in the river of the Amorites, being athirst, and blaspheming my name, I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water, and made the river sweet. What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob? thou, Judah, wouldest not obey me: I will turn me to other nations, and unto those will I give my name, that they may keep my statutes. Seeing ye have forsaken me, I will forsake you also; when ye desire me to be gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon you. Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will not hear you: for ye have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit manslaughter. Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I not prayed you as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes, That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye would be my children, and I should be your father? I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from my face. When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken. I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble. And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have despised my commandment, and done the thing that is an evil before me. Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which not having heard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have shewed no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them. They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to remembrance, and acknowledge them. I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose little ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say.

V:       THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:       AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:       THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW,
BEGINNING AT THE ELEVENTH VERSE.
R:       GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Jesus said; Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE FRIDAY AFTER ADVENT III

All of the propers are as for the preceding Sunday, unless a major feast.

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-THIRD VERSE.

God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own eternity. Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it. But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery, And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself. As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect. But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken the Lord.

V:       THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:       AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:       THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW,
BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-FIFTH VERSE.
R:       GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: For so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: And ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

______________________________________________

25th OF DECEMBER>
DIVINE LITURGY

FEAST OF SAINT FINNIAN
25TH OF DECEMBER
THE FOUNDATION OF SKELLIG MICHAEL MONASTERY
SEVEN CENTURIES OF ORTHODOX MONASTICISM IN THE WEST

MATTINS

Ps. cxxxiv Ecce nunc

Behold now praise the Lord : All ye servants of the Lord,
Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord : Even in the courts of the house of our God.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary : And praise the Lord.
The Lord that made heaven and earth : Give thee blessing out of Sion.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxxxv Laudate Nomen

O praise the Lord laud ye the Name of the Lord : Praise it O ye servants of the Lord,
Ye that stand in the house of the Lord : In the courts of the house of our God.
O praise the Lord for the Lord is gracious : O sing praises unto His Name for it is lovely.
For why the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself : And Israel for His own possession.
For I know that the Lord is great : And that our Lord is above all gods.
Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did He in heaven and in earth : And in the sea and in all deep places.
He bringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world : And sendeth forth lightnings with the rain bringing the winds out of His treasures.
He smote the first-born of Egypt : Both of man and beast.
He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee O thou land of Egypt : Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
He smote divers nations : And slew mighty kings,
Sehon king of the Amorites and Og the king of Basan : And all the kingdoms of Canaan;
And gave their land to be an heritage : Even an heritage unto Israel His people.
Thy Name O Lord endureth for ever : So doth Thy memorial O Lord from one generation to another.
For the Lord will avenge His people : And be gracious unto His servants.
As for the images of the heathen they are but silver and gold : the work of men’s hands.
They have mouths and speak not : Eyes have they but they see not
They have ears and yet they hear not : Neither is there any breath in their mouths.
They that make them are like unto them : And so are all they that put their trust in them.
Praise the Lord ye house of Israel : Praise the Lord ye house of Aaron
Praise the Lord ye house of Levi : Ye that fear the Lord praise the Lord.
Praised be the Lord out of Sion : Who dwelleth at Jerusalem.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxxxviii. Confitebor tibi

I will give thanks unto Thee O Lord with my whole heart: Even before the angels will I sing praise unto Thee.
I will worship toward Thy holy temple and praise Thy Name because of Thy loving-kindness and truth : For Thou hast magnified Thy Name and Thy word above all things.
When I called upon Thee Thou heardest me : And enduedst my soul with much strength.
All the kings of the earth shall praise Thee O Lord : For they have heard the words of Thy mouth.
Yea they shall sing in the ways of the Lord : That great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord be high yet hath He respect unto the lowly : As for the proud He beholdeth them afar off.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble yet shalt Thou refresh me : Thou shalt stretch forth Thy hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies and Thy right hand shall save me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the second chapter of the Book of the Wisdom of Solomon, beginning at the twenty-third verse.

For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own eternity. Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it. But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery, And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself. As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in fifteenth chapter of the First Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, beginning at the forty-fifth verse

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR SAINT FINNIAN 25th DECEMBER
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the expectation and the Saviour of the Gentiles: Come that Thou mayest save us, O Lord our God.
THE COLLECTS FOR 25th DECEMBER
O God Who makest us glad with the yearly expectation of our Redemption, grant that we joyfully look forward to the birth of Thy only-begotten Son for our Redeemer and receive Him, so that we may with sure confidence behold the same Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, when He shall come to be our Judge Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost One God world without end.
R:   Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who makest us glad with this day’s festival, of Thy infinite mercy, grant that through the holy prayers of St. Finan and hs brethren, of Skellig Michael, we may obtain the means of eternal life, Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
O Lord, Who hast granted us the example of Believers gone before us, and Who in this season preparest us for Thy Coming, Do Thou have mercy upon us, that we may be filled with wonder and comfort at Thine Advent here, and in so doing, we may be moved to seek Thy help to follow Thee, Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
O God, Who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, at the message of an Angel; grant to us Thy humble servants, that we, who do believe her to be the Mother of God, may be holpen by her prayers before Thee, through the same Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE FOR SAINT FINNIAN

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRTY-NINTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTICUS, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTH VERSE.

He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins. When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer. He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate. He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to generation. Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation shall declare his praise. If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and if he live, he shall increase it.

THE GRADUAL SAINT FINNIAN
Today ye shall know that the Lord shall come to save you. Alleluia. The iniquity of the earth shall be blotted out: And the Saviour of the world shall reign over us. Alleluia
Bow down Thine ear O Lord and hear me : For I am poor and in misery.
Preserve Thou my soul for I am holy : My God save Thy servant that putteth his trust in Thee.
Be merciful unto me O Lord : For I will call daily upon Thee.
Comfort the soul of Thy servant : For unto Thee O Lord do I lift up my soul.
For Thou Lord art good and gracious : And of great mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.
Give ear Lord unto my prayer : And ponder the voice of my humble desires.
In the time of my trouble I will call upon Thee : For Thou hearest me.
Among the gods there is none like unto Thee O Lord : There is not one that can do as Thou doest.
All nations whom Thou hadst made shall come and worship Thee O Lord : And shall glorify Thy Name.
For Thou art great and doest wondrous things : Thou art God alone.
Teach me Thy way O Lord and I will walk in Thy truth : O knit my heart unto Thee that I may fear Thy Name.
I will thank Thee O Lord my God with all my heart : And will praise Thy Name for evermore.
For great is Thy mercy toward me : And Thou hast delivered my soul from the nethermost hell.
O God the proud are risen against me : And the congregations of naughty men have sought after my soul and have not set Thee before their eyes.
But thou O Lord God art full of compassion and mercy : Long-suffering plenteous in goodness and truth.
O turn Thee then unto me and have mercy upon me : Give Thy strength unto Thy servant and help the son of Thine handmaid.
Shew some token upon me for good that they who hate me may see it and be ashamed : Because Thou Lord hast holpen me and comforted me.

THE GOSPEL FOR SAINT FINNIAN
V:   THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:   AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:   THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-THIRD VERSE.
R:   GLORY BE ✠ TO THEE, O LORD

✠ Jesus said: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR 25th DECEMBER
The Lord Whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His Temple, even the messenger of the covenant, Whom ye delight in: Behold He shall come saith the Lord of Hosts. The earth is the Lord’s and all that therein is: The compass of the world and they that dwell therein.
Sing O barren thou that didst not bear break forth into singing and cry aloud thou that didst not travail with child : For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife saith the Lord.
Enlarge the place of thy tent and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations : Spare not lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes,
For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles : And make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
Fear not for thou shalt not be ashamed : Neither be thou confounded for thou shalt not be put to shame.
For thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth : And shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
For thy Maker is thine husband : The Lord of hosts is His name.
And thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel : The God of the whole earth shall He be called.
For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit : And a wife of youth when thou wast refused saith thy God.
For a small moment have I forsaken thee : But with great mercies will I gather thee.
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment : But with ever-lasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer.

THE SECRET FOR SAINT FINNIAN
O Lord, Who hast bidden us to offer this Sacrifice to the honour of Thy Name, accept the oblations which we present unto Thee, and make them to become a healing medicine for our souls. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS SAINT FINNIAN
Grant we beseech Thee O Lord that we may again be refreshed by the coming of Thy only-begotten Son Whose Heavenly Mysteries are to us for meat and drink. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holt Ghost One God world without end.
R:   Amen.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, to accompany Thy people with the plenteousness of Thy gifts, that they being defended from all evil by the virtue of Thy Sacraments, may be prepared both in mind and body for the unspeakable mystery of Thy birth.
R:   Amen.
We beseech Thee O Lord, refresh Thy faithful people with this Thy Holy Mystery, and let the prayers of Thy holy Saint Finan be heard on our behalf for the cleansing of our offences. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
Grant O Lord God, that we who have partaken of this Holy Mystery and have confessed the Holy and eternal Trinity and the Undivided Unity, may be thereby strengthened both in body and soul. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest Three Persons in One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.

SAINT FINNIAN THE LEPER, ABBOT OF INNISFALLEN, FOUNDER OF SKELLIG MICHAEL MONASTERY

Saint Finnian the Leper was a famous Abbot, whose greatest foundation was Innisfallen. However, his most spectacular foundation was the hermitage of Skellig Michael set high atop the precipitous rock Island in the Atlantic. Skellig Michael was a remarkable essay of Celtic monasticism at its most severe, having just twelve monks plus an Abbot, it subjected them to the worst of the rigours of the weather. Having served continuously for six hundred years, when the climate descended into a mini-ice-age in the thirteenth century, full-time occupancy was abandoned as untenable. Thereafter the monastery served as the hermitage for the mother house on the mainland of Kerry.
The anticipation of the Birth of our Lord and Saviour is already upon us. The Mystery of His birth into this world of mankind is one of the two most stupendous revelations contained in the Holy Scripture. Yet how can we come to the Mystery of His Birth unprepared? It is an event of great celebration to be sure, but it is an event of great solemnity as we look toward it. Christ came, Christ was Crucified, Christ rose from the dead, Christ will come again. We are reminded at this season of that last statement. Yes, He came, and we will celebrate that, more importantly though, He will come again – and will we celebrate then? Or will we want to hide? Knowing what we know now about ourselves and about the revelation contained in the New Testament of our Lord, could we have stood before the infant Christ at His Birth?
This season is solemn, it is a season of anticipation, an anticipation of an event yet to come, to be celebrated in the name of an event that is history.
Many Christians have spent their entire lives anticipating the Second Coming of Christ. They have noted the profound effect of His presence in the flesh among men, and they have been dismayed when they then compared themselves with the standard which the incarnate Christ held up for us to follow. Some such Christians sought to radically re-order their lives in order to amend them as best they could. They noted the absorption of the Church into the secular state and they fled from what they perceived as the resultant compromise. They were the original Desert Fathers – the monks who lived in the north African desert in the third century. Fairly quickly the standard of holiness of life that they raised up, spread and rapidly came to the British Isles, possibly joining with an already existing eremitic tradition, so that by the fifth century it reached as far as the Atlantic islands off the west coast of Ireland and Scotland – as far west as it could then go. It was then that St. Finnian the Leper and some monks founded the fantastic monastery of Skellig Michael on the Island of that name. The monastery is still there today as witness of their courage and faith. Their faith in a Lord Incarnate, Crucifed, Risen and to come again. We look forward to the celebration of the Birth into this world of our Lord, the Master of Creation. We anticipate His return to us. Let us ensure as best we can, that the return is sweet to us as the anticipation, as the celebration of the historical Incarnaton. He came that we might be Redeemed. We therefore anticipate the celebration of His coming, as we honour the faith of those went before us in the faith.
______________________________________________

ADVENT IV

SATURDAY VIGIL EVENSONG

Vigil of Advent IV Psalms Ps cxix I Beati immaculati

Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way : And walk in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are they that keep His testimonies : And seek Him with their whole heart.
For they who do no wickedness : Walk in His ways.
Thou hast charged : That we shall diligently keep Thy commandments.
O that my ways were made so direct : That I might keep Thy statutes!
So shall I not be confounded : While I have respect unto all Thy commandments.
I will thank Thee with an unfeigned heart : When I shall have learned the judgements of Thy righteousness.
I will keep Thy ceremonies : O forsake me not utterly.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

II In quo corriget?

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way : Even by ruling himself after Thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought Thee : O let me not go wrong out of Thy commandments.
Thy words have I hid within my heart : That I should not sin against Thee.
Blessed art Thou O Lord : O teach me Thy statutes.
With my lips have I been telling : Of all the judgements of Thy mouth.
I have had as great delight in the way of Thy testimonies : As in all manner of riches.
I will talk of thy commandments : And have respect unto Thy ways.
My delight shall be in Thy statutes : And I will not forget Thy word.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

III Retribue servo tuo

O do well unto Thy servant : That I may live and keep Thy word.
Open thou mine eyes : That I may see the wondrous things of Thy law.
I am a stranger upon earth : O hide not Thy commandments from me.
My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire : That it hath alway unto Thy judgements.
Thou hast rebuked the proud : And cursed are they that do err from Thy commandments.
O turn from me shame and rebuke : For I have kept Thy testimonies.
Princes also did sit and speak against me : But Thy servant is occupied in Thy statutes.
For thy testimonies are my delight : and my counsellors.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

IV Adhaesit pavimento

My soul cleaveth to the dust : O quicken Thou me according to Thy word.
I have acknowledged my ways and Thou heardest me : O teach me Thy statutes.
Make me to understand the way of Thy commandments : And so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works.
My soul melteth away for very heaviness : Comfort Thou me according unto Thy word.
Take from me the way of lying : And cause Thou me to make much of Thy law.
I have chosen the way of truth : And Thy judgements have I laid before me.
I have stuck unto Thy testimonies : O Lord confound me not.
I will run the way of Thy commandments : When Thou hast set my heart at liberty.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE COLLECT
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 Coming, to judge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in Thy sight, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

SUNDAY MATTINS

Ps. cxix: V Legem pone

Teach me O Lord the way of Thy statutes : And I shall keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding and I shall keep Thy law : Yea I shall keep it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments : For therein is my desire.
Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies : And not to covetousness.
O turn away mine eyes lest they behold vanity : And quicken Thou me in Thy way.
O stablish Thy word in Thy servant : That I may fear Thee.
Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of : For Thy judgements are good.
Behold my delight is in Thy commandments : O quicken me in Thy righteousness.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

VI Et veniat super me

Let Thy loving mercy come also unto me O Lord : Even Thy salvation according unto Thy word.
So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers : For my trust is in Thy word.
O take not the word of Thy truth utterly out of my mouth : For my hope is in Thy judgements.
So shall I alway keep Thy law : Yea for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty : For I seek Thy commandments.
I will speak of Thy testimonies also even before kings : And will not be ashamed.
And my delight shall be in Thy commandments : Which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto Thy commandments which I have loved : And my study shall be in thy statutes.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps cxix VII Memor esto servi tui

O think upon Thy servant as concerning Thy world : Wherein Thou hast caused me to put my trust.
The same is my comfort in my trouble : For Thy word hath quickened me.
The proud have had me exceedingly in derision : Yet have I not shrinked from Thy law.
For I remembered Thine everlasting judgements O Lord : And received comfort.
I am horribly afraid : For the ungodly that forsake Thy law.
Thy statutes have been my songs : In the house of my pilgrimage.
I have thought upon Thy Name O Lord in the night-season : And have kept Thy law.
This I had : Because I kept Thy commandments. 1
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

VIII Portio mea, Domine

Thou art my portion O Lord : I have promised to keep Thy law.
I made my humble petition in Thy presence with my whole heart : O be merciful unto me according to Thy word.
I called mine own ways to remembrance : And turned my feet unto Thy testimonies.
I made haste and prolonged not the time : To keep Thy commandments.
The congregations of the ungodly have robbed me : But I have not forgotten Thy law.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee : Because of Thy righteous judgements.
I am a companion of all them that fear Thee : And keep Thy commandments.
The earth O Lord is full of Thy mercy : O teach me Thy statutes.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

IX Bonitatem fecisti

O Lord Thou hast dealt graciously with Thy servant : According unto Thy word.
O learn me true understanding and knowledge : For I have believed Thy commandments.
Before I was troubled I went wrong : But now I have kept Thy word.
Thou art good and gracious : O teach me Thy statutes.
The proud have imagined a lie against me : But I will keep Thy commandments with my whole heart.
Their heart is as fat as brawn : But my delight hath been in Thy law.
It is good for me that I have been in trouble : That I may learn Thy statutes.
The law of Thy mouth is dearer to me : Than thousands of gold and silver
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the thirty-second chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the first verse

Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful. For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right. But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech. Many days and years shall ye be troubled, ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come. Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins. They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine. Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city: Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks; Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the first chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, beginning at the twenty-sixth verse

And in the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the Angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the Angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: For thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the Angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the Angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: And this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: For there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Remember us O Lord according to the favour that Thou bearest unto Thy people : O visit us with Thy Salvation : That we may see the felicity of Thy Chosen and rejoice in the gladness of Thy people, and give thanks with Thine inheritance. We have sinned with our fathers : We have done amiss and dealt wickedly. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy~

THE COLLECTS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Lord, raise up we pray Thee, Thy power, and come among us, and with great might assist 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 the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end.
R: Amen.
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, Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to life immortal, through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O God, Who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, at the message of an Angel; grant to us Thy humble servants, that we, who do believe her to be the Mother of God, may be holpen by her prayers before Thee, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FOURTH VERSE.

Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing: But in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
The Lord is nigh unto them that call upon Him : Yea all such as call upon Him faithfully. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : And let all flesh give thanks unto His Holy Name. Alleluia. Come, O Lord and tarry not : Forgive the misdeeds of Thy people.
I will magnify Thee O God my King : And I will praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Every day will I give thanks unto Thee : And praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and marvellous worthy to be praised : There is no end of His greatness.
One generation shall praise Thy works unto another : And declare Thy power.
As for me I will be talking of Thy worship : Thy glory Thy praise and wondrous works;
So that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvellous acts : And I will also tell of Thy greatness.
The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be shewed : And men shall sing of Thy righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful : Long-suffering and of great goodness.
The Lord is loving unto every man : And His mercy is over all His works.
All Thy works praise Thee O Lord : And Thy saints give thanks unto Thee.
They shew the glory of Thy kingdom : And talk of Thy power; That Thy power Thy glory and mightiness of Thy kingdom : Might be known unto men.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom : And Thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.
The Lord upholdeth all such as fall : And lifteth up all those that are down.
The eyes of all wait upon thee O Lord : And Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand : And fillest all things living with plenteousness.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways: And holy in all His works.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him : Yea all such as call upon Him faithfully.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : He also will hear their cry and will help them.
The Lord preserveth all them that love Him : But scattereth abroad all the ungodly.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : And let all flesh give thanks unto His holy Name for ever and ever.

THE GOSPEL FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE NINETEENTH VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ O THEE, O LORD

+ This is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the Prophet Isaiah. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptisest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elijah neither that Prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptise with water: But there standeth One among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, Whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptising.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Be strong and fear not: Behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense: He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened: And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped: Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.

During the Censing after the Offertory Ps. vii. Domine, Deus meus

O Lord my God in Thee have I put my trust : Save me from all them that persecute me and deliver me,
Lest he devour my soul like a lion and tear it in pieces : While there is none to help.
O Lord my God if I have done any such thing : Or if there be any wickedness in my hands,
If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly with me : Yea I have delivered him that without any cause is mine enemy,
Then let mine enemy persecute my soul and take me : Yea let him tread my life down upon the earth and lay mine honour in the dust.
Stand up O Lord in Thy wrath and lift up Thyself because of the indignation of mine enemies : Arise up for me in the judgement that Thou hast commanded.
And so shall the congregation of the people come about Thee : For their sakes therefore lift up Thyself again.
The Lord shall judge the people give sentence with me O Lord : According to my righteousness and according to the innocency that is in me.
O let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end : But guide Thou the just.
For the righteous God : Trieth the very hearts and reins.
My help cometh of God : Who preserveth them that are true of heart.
God is a righteous Judge strong and patient : And God is provoked every day.
If a man will not turn He will whet His sword : He hath bent his bow and made it ready.
He hath prepared for him the instruments of death : He ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors
Behold he travaileth with mischief : He hath conceived sorrow and brought forth ungodliness.
He hath graven and digged up a pit : And is fallen on himself into the destruction that he made for other
For his travail shall come upon his own head : And his wickedness shall fall on his own pate.
I will give thanks unto the Lord according to His righteousness : And I will praise the Name of the Lord most High.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to theHoly Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end Amen

SECRET FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Lord, we beseech Thee favourably to regard this Sacrifice: And grant we may be cleansed thereby, to welcome the Nativity of Thy Son. Through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During the Priest’s Communion and Ablutions:

THE COMMUNION FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son: And shall call His Name Immanuel

Ps. cxlv Exaltabo te, Deus

I will magnify Thee O God my King : And I will praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Every day will I give thanks unto Thee : And praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and marvellous worthy to be praised : There is no end of His greatness.
One generation shall praise Thy works unto another : And declare Thy power.
As for me I will be talking of Thy worship : Thy glory thy praise and wondrous works,
So that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvellous acts : And I will also tell of Thy greatness.
The memorial of Thine abundant kindness shall be shewed : And men shall sing of Thy righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful : Long-suffering and of great goodness.
The Lord is loving unto every man : And His mercy is over all His works.
All Thy works praise Thee O Lord : and Thy saints give thanks unto Thee.
They shew the glory of thy kingdom : And talk of Thy power;
That thy power Thy glory and mightiness of Thy kingdom : Might be known unto men.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom : And Thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.
The Lord upholdeth all such as fall : And lifteth up all those that are down.
The eyes of all wait upon Thee O Lord : And Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand : And fillest all things living with plenteousness.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways: And holy in all his works.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him : Yea all such as call upon Him faithfully.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him : He also will hear their cry, and will help them.
The Lord preserveth all them that love Him : But scattereth abroad all the ungodly.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : And let all flesh give thanks unto His holy Name for ever and ever.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to theHoly Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
We beseech Thee O Lord to pour down upon Thy people the fulness of Thy gifts : That being defended from all evil by the virtue of Thy Sacraments they may be made ready both in body and soul to celebrate this ineffable Mystery. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and merciful God, Who for Thy thirsty people didst bring a fountain of living water out of the rock: Draw forth from the hardness of our heart the tears of compunction, that we may be able to bewail our sins and be found worthy to obtain Thy merciful pardon. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Grant, O God, that as Thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ at His first Advent, came to seek and to save that which was lost, so at His Second, and glorious appearing, He may find in us the fruits of the redemption which He wrought; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

We are now in the last leg of our examination of our lives and resultant repentance during this Advent. Soon we will be celebrating the birth in the cave-house on the road to Bethlehem of God’s Christ and our Saviour, His taking of human form and human nature together with His eternal Divine nature, and His Coming to us here in earth. As a preparation for that, we have observed the fasting and repentance that is appropriate to the Second Coming of Christ to this earth. During this Advent, we have been more overtly doing what every Orthodox Believer should do all the time: Acting as if the Second Coming of Christ was tomorrow morning.
It is very difficult for the busy work-a-day person to keep the mind focused on the Second Coming, one’s own unreadiness to be judged and general unworthiness. The Church however provides for two annual extra-serious seasons of reflection and ready-making: The Advent Lent before the Nativity and the Great Lent before the Resurrection.
This Sunday, we pray that justice may be found for the many poor of countries around the world, and that those countries, classes and individuals who enjoy real prosperity will turn and follow our Lord’s admonitions to assist those who are left behind.
We should keep in our prayers all those who labour in the poorest areas of the world to bring spiritual and material food and comfort to the many forgotten poor. We pray for the bewildered refugees of Africa.
We are supposed to keep our own offences and failings constantly in the forefront of our minds at this penitential season. We must also keep a realistic picture of the vast number of medically, physically and spiritually needy and, using that picture in our minds, we must take intercessory and financial action for we must not keep the gifts of God to ourselves.
The struggle to achieve perfect personal holiness and the struggle to provide for all of the world’s poor and needy are very similar in many respects. We shall probably never achieve personal holiness perfection and we shall probably never provide for every person on this earth. The important thing in both cases is that we put our best effort into the attempt. It is the struggle towards holiness that is the purifying fire. Without God’s help neither goal is possible of achievement. The trouble is, that no matter how often this is repeated by and to us, we never quite manage to shake off our worldly “old man” and we persist at least in part, in trying to achieve the goal from our own resources.
On the personal level this leads to all sorts of failures and problems. On the world level, we continue to believe that this or that form of human government might, if it was done properly, achieve the perfect world – or at least feed a lot of the worst cases. The fact is that it is not possible for so long as humans insist on governing themselves.
We personally, and corporately must give the government of ourselves and our world over to God. Unless we do that, we will persist in wading painfully in the mire of our own making. Christ came to tell us of His Way. He made the whole painful and humiliating journey from human birth to human execution for us, that we would see the Way. Let us reflect on sorrow and prepare for joy.

The Ember Week of Advent (strict fast)

THE WEDNESDAY AFTER ADVENT IV

MATTINS: Psalms for the twenty-eighth morning: Ps. cxxxii to cxxxv
THE DIVINE LITURGY
THE OFFICE FOR THE WEDNESDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Drop down O ye Heavens from above; and let the skies pour down righteousness: Let the earth open and bring forth the Saviour.
And let the righteous spring up together : I the Lord have created it.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE WEDNESDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Make haste, we beseech Thee O Lord, and tarry not; but bestow on us the help of Thy strength from above: Thatthey who do trust in Thy loving kindness may be refreshed and comforted by Thine Advent. Who livest and reignest, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, One God, world without end
R: Amen.
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, Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to life immortal, through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O God, Who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, at the message of an Angel; grant to us Thy humble servants, that we, who do believe her to be the Mother of God, may be holpen by her prayers before Thee, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH, BEGINNING AT THE TENTH VERSE.
Moreover the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

V:       THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:       AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:       THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW,
BEGINNING AT THE ELEVENTH VERSE.
R:       GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ And in the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the Angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: For thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: And this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE COMMUNION FOR WEDNESDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son: And shall call His Name Immanuel.

THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK

MATTINS: Psalms for the thirtieth morning: Ps. cxliv – vi

THE DIVINE LITURGY
THE OFFICE FOR THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Be Thou nigh at hand O Lord for all Thy commandments are true : As for Thy testimonies I have known long since that Thou hast grounded them forever.
Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way : And walk in the law of the Lord.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
O Lord raise up we pray Thee Thy power and come among us: That we who do trust in Thy mercy may speedily be delivered from all adversities, through Jesus Christ Thine only Son who livest and reignest with Thee and Holy Ghost, One God, world without end
R:       Amen.
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, Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to life immortal, through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.
O God, Who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, at the message of an Angel; grant to us Thy humble servants, that we, who do believe her to be the Mother of God, may be holpen by her prayers before Thee, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R:       Amen.

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

Thus saith the Lord: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: And He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: But with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: And He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Shew us Thy mercy O Lor : And grant us Thy salvation.
Lord Thou hast been gracious unto Thy land : Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.
Come, O Lord and tarry not : Forgive the misdeeds of Thy people.
I will magnify Thee O God my King : And I will praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Every day will I give thanks unto Thee : And praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and marvellous worthy to be praised : There is no end of His greatness.
One generation shall praise Thy works unto another : And declare Thy power.
As for me I will be talking of Thy worship : Thy glory Thy praise and wondrous works;
So that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvellous acts : And I will also tell of Thy greatness.
The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be shewed : And men shall sing of Thy righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful : Long-suffering and of great goodness.
The Lord is loving unto every man : And His mercy is over all His works.
All Thy works praise Thee O Lord : And Thy saints give thanks unto Thee.
They shew the glory of Thy kingdom : And talk of Thy power;
That Thy power Thy glory and mightiness of Thy kingdom : Might be known unto men.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways: And holy in all His works.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him : Yea all such as call upon Him faithfully.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : He also will hear their cry and will help them.
The Lord preserveth all them that love Him : But scattereth abroad all the ungodly.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : And let all flesh give thanks unto His holy Name for ever and ever.

V:       THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:       AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:       THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE,
BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-NINTH VERSE.
R:       GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.
+ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; And entered into the house of Zachariah, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Wilt Thou not turn again and quicken us that Thy people may rejoice in Thee : Shew us Thy mercy O Lord and grant us Thy salvation

During the Censing after the Offertory:

Wilt Thou not turn again and quicken us that Thy people may rejoice in Thee : Shew us Thy mercy O Lord and grant us Thy salvation .
Lord Thou hast been gracious unto Thy land : Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob Thou hast forgiven the sins of Thy people.
Mercy and truth are met together : Truth shall flourish out of the earth and righteousness hath looked down from Heaven.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to theHoly Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end Amen
SECRET FOR THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Grant O Lord that we beseech Thee to be as at this time made ready for the Sacrifice of our salvation wherein is to be celebrated the Mystery for which all keeping of Thy commandments doth prepare us. Through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During the Ablutions:

THE COMMUNION FOR THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
Behold the Lord shall come and all His saints with Him : And in that day there shall be a great light.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE FRIDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
We humbly beseech Thee O Lord that we who are filled with the gift of Thy salvation, and do rejoice therein: May by it be effectuallyrenewed. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end.
R:       Amen.
Almighty and merciful God, Who for Thy thirsty people didst bring a fountain of living water out of the rock: Draw forth from the hardness of our heart the tears of compunction, that we may be able to bewail our sins and be found worthy to obtain Thy merciful pardon. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.
Grant, O God, that as Thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ at His first Advent, came to seek and to save that which was lost, so at His Second, and glorious appearing, He may find in us the fruits of the redemption which He wrought; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:        Amen.

SATURDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK

Repeat the Liturgy of the Friday in Advent Ember week. Mattins Psalms: Ps lxxii Deus judicium.

_____________________________________

ADVENT V

SATURDAY VIGIL EVENSONG

Vigil of Advent V

Ps cxliv. Benedictus Dominus

Blessed be the Lord my strength : Who teacheth my hands to war and my fingers to fight.
My hope and my fortress my castle and deliverer my defender in Whom I trust : Who subdueth my people that is under me.
Lord what is man that Thou hast such respect unto him : Or the son of man that Thou so regardest him?
Man is like a thing of nought : His time passeth away like a shadow.
Bow Thy heavens O Lord and come down : Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
Cast forth Thy lightning and tear them : Shoot out Thine arrows and consume them.
Send down Thine hand from above : Deliver me and take me out of the great waters from the hand of the estranged children.
Whose mouth talketh of vanity : And their right hand is a right hand of wickedness.
I will sing a new song unto Thee O God : And sing praises unto Thee upon a ten-stringed lute.
Thou hast given victory unto kings : And hast delivered David Thy servant from the peril of the sword.
Save me and deliver me from the hand of the estranged children : Whose mouth talketh of vanity and their right hand is a right hand of iniquity.
That our sons may grow up as the young plants : And that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple.
That our garners may be full and plenteous with all manner of store : That our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets.
That our oxen may be strong to labour that there be no decay : No leading into captivity and no complaining in our streets.
Happy are the people that are in such a case : Yea blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

Ps cxlv. Exaltabo te, Deus

I will magnify Thee O God my King : And I will praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Every day will I give thanks unto Thee : And praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and marvellous worthy to be praised : There is no end of His greatness.
One generation shall praise Thy works unto another : And declare Thy power.
As for me I will be talking of Thy worship : Thy glory Thy praise and wondrous works;
So that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvellous acts : And I will also tell of Thy greatness.
The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be shewed : And men shall sing of Thy righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful : Long-suffering and of great goodness.
The Lord is loving unto every man : And His mercy is over all His works.
All Thy works praise Thee O Lord : And Thy saints give thanks unto Thee.
They shew the glory of Thy kingdom : And talk of Thy power; That Thy power Thy glory and mightiness of Thy kingdom : Might be known unto men.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom : And Thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.
The Lord upholdeth all such as fall : And lifteth up all those that are down.
The eyes of all wait upon thee O Lord : And Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand : And fillest all things living with plenteousness.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways: And holy in all His works.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him : Yea all such as call upon Him faithfully.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : He also will hear their cry and will help them.
The Lord preserveth all them that love Him : But scattereth abroad all the ungodly.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : And let all flesh give thanks unto His holy Name for ever and ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

Ps. cxlvi. Lauda, anima mea

Praise the Lord O my soul; while I live will I praise the Lord : Yea as long as I have any being I will sing praises unto my God.
O put not your trust in princes nor in any child of man : For there is no help in them.
For when the breath of man goeth forth he shall turn again to his earth : And then all his thoughts perish.
Blessed is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help : And whose hope is in the Lord his God;
Who made heaven and earth the sea and all that therein is : Who keepeth His promise for ever;
Who helpeth them to right that suffer wrong : Who feedeth the hungry.
The Lord looseth men out of prison : The Lord giveth sight to the blind.
The Lord helpeth them that are fallen : The Lord careth for the righteous.
The Lord careth for the strangers he defendeth the fatherless and widow :As for the way of the ungodly he turneth it upside down.
The Lord thy God O Sion shall be King for evermore : And throughout all generations.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE COLLECT FOR THE SATURDAY IN ADVENT EMBER WEEK
O Lord raise up we pray Thee Thy power and come among us: That we who do trust in Thy mercy may speedily be delivered from all adversities, through Jesus Christ Thine only Son who livest and reignest with Thee and Holy Ghost, One God, world without end .

R: Amen.
SUNDAY MATTINS

Ps. i Beatus vir, qui non abiit.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly nor stood in the way of sinners : And hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord : And in His law will he exercise himself day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the waterside : That will bring forth his fruit in due season.
His leaf also shall not wither : And look whatsoever he doeth it shall prosper.
As for the ungodly it is not so with them : But they are like the chaff which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement : Neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : And the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. ii Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Why do the heathen so furiously rage together : And why do the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth stand up and the rulers take counsel together : Against the Lord and against His Anointed.
Let us break their bonds asunder : And cast away their cords from us.
He that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh them to scorn : The Lord shall have them in derision.
Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath : And vex them in His sore displeasure.
Yet I have set My King : Upon My holy hill of Sion.
I will preach the law whereof the Lord hath said unto Me : Thou art My Son this day have I begotten Thee.
Desire of Me and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance : And the utmost parts of the earth for Thy possession.
Thou shalt bruise them with a rod of iron : And break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Be wise now therefore O ye kings : Be learned ye that are judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord in fear : And rejoice unto Him with reverence.
Kiss the Son lest He be angry and so ye perish from the right way : If His wrath be kindled yea but a little blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. iii Domine, quid multiplicati,

Lord how are they increased that trouble me : Many are they that rise against me.
Many one there be that say of my soul : There is no help for him in his God.
But Thou O Lord art my defender : Thou art my worship and the lifter up of my head.
I did call upon the Lord with my voice : And He heard me out of His holy hill.
I laid me down and slept and rose up again : For the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid for ten thousands of the people : That have set themselves against me round about.
Up Lord and help me O my God : For Thou smitest all mine enemies upon the cheekbone Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongeth unto the Lord : And Thy blessing is upon Thy people.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. iv Cum invocarem

Hear me when I call O God of my righteousness : Thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble have mercy upon me and hearken unto my prayer.
O ye sons of men how long will ye blaspheme mine honour : And have such pleasure in vanity and seek after leasing?
Know this also that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly : When I call upon the Lord he will hear me.
Stand in awe and sin not : Commune with your own heart and in your chamber and be still.
Offer the sacrifice of righteousness : And put your trust in the Lord.
There be many that say : Who will shew us any good?
Lord, lift thou up: The light of Thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart: Since the time that their corn and wine and oil increased.
I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest: For it is Thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. v Verba mea auribus.

Ponder my words O Lord : Consider my meditation.
O hearken Thou unto the voice of my calling my King and my God : For unto Thee will I make my prayer.
My voice shalt Thou hear betimes O Lord : Early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee and will look up.
For Thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness : Neither shall any devil dwell with Thee.
Such as be foolish shall not stand in Thy sight : For Thou hatest all of them that work vanity.
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing : The Lord will abhor both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
But as for me I will come into Thine house even upon the multitude of Thy mercy : And in Thy fear will I worship toward Thy holy Temple.
Lead me O Lord in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies : Make Thy way plain before my face.
For there is no faithfulness in his mouth : Their inward parts are very wickedness.
Their throat is an open sepulchre : They flatter with their tongue.
Destroy Thou them O God let them perish through their own imaginations : Cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness for they have rebelled against Thee.
And let all them that put their trust in Thee rejoice : They shall ever be giving of thanks because Thou defendest them they that love Thy Name shall be joyful in Thee;
For Thou Lord wilt give Thy blessing unto the righteous : And with Thy favourable kindness wilt Thou defend him as with a shield.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the seventh chapter of the Second Book of the Prophet Esdras, beginning at the second verse.

There was sent unto me the angel Uriel which had been sent unto me the nights afore: And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am come to tell thee. And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great. But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river; Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into the broad? There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon a broad field, and is full of all good things: The entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place to fall, like as if there were a fire on the right hand, and on the left a deep water: And one only path between them both, even between the fire and the water, so small that there could but one man go there at once. If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this inheritance? And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so also is Israel’s portion. Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done. Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of sorrow and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,: and very painful. For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and brought immortal fruit. If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them. Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal? Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which is present? Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish. Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide. And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest. For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them. For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment. Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined vain things; And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways: But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed his works. And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and for the full are the full things. Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have told thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and she coming forth shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth. And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see my wonders. For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred years. After these years shall my son Christ die, and all men that have life.

The Second Lesson is written in the first chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, beginning at the fifty-eighth verse

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Then shall follow the Great Litany

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Remember us O Lord, according to the favour that Thou bearest unto Thy people: O visit us with Thy Salvation: That we may see the felicity of Thy Chosen and rejoice in the gladness of Thy people, and give thanks with Thine inheritance. We have sinned with our fathers: We have done amiss and dealt wickedly.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Lord raise up we pray Thee Thy power, and come among us, and with great might assist us; that whereas through our sins and wicked-ness, 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 the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end.
R: Amen.

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, Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to life immortal, through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O God, Who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, at the message of an Angel; grant to us Thy humble servants, that we, who do believe her to be the Mother of God, may be holpen by her prayers before Thee, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF JOEL BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

Be glad then, ye children of Sion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: For He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: For in Mount Sion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head: Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves and come all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: For there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: Come, get you down; for the press is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The Lord also shall roar out of Sion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: But the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Sion, My holy mountain: Then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim. Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: For the Lord dwelleth in Zion.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
The Lord is nigh unto them that call upon Him : Yea all such as call upon Him faithfully. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : And let all flesh give thanks unto His Holy Name. Alleluia. Come O Lord and tarry not : Forgive the misdeeds of Thy people.
I will magnify Thee O God my King : And I will praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Every day will I give thanks unto Thee : And praise Thy Name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and marvellous worthy to be praised : There is no end of His greatness.
One generation shall praise Thy works unto another : And declare Thy power.
As for me I will be talking of Thy worship : Thy glory Thy praise and wondrous works;
So that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvellous acts : And I will also tell of Thy greatness.
The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be shewed : And men shall sing of Thy righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful : Long-suffering and of great goodness.
The Lord is loving unto every man : And His mercy is over all His works.
All Thy works praise Thee O Lord : And Thy saints give thanks unto Thee.
They shew the glory of Thy kingdom : And talk of Thy power;
That Thy power Thy glory and mightiness of Thy kingdom : Might be known unto men.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom : And Thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.
The Lord upholdeth all such as fall : And lifteth up all those that are down.
The eyes of all wait upon thee O Lord : And Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand : And fillest all things living with plenteousness.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways: And holy in all His works.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him : Yea all such as call upon Him faithfully.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : He also will hear their cry and will help them.
The Lord preserveth all them that love Him : But scattereth abroad all the ungodly.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : And let all flesh give thanks unto His holy Name for ever and ever. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R:AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V:THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE SEVENTEENTH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD

+ And this rumour of Him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art Thou He that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto Him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto Thee, saying, Art Thou He that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour He cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me. And when the messengers of John were departed, He began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: But he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Be strong and fear not : Behold your God will come with vengeance even God with a recompense : He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened : And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped : Then shall the lame man leap as an hart and the tongue of the dumb sing.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps. cxlvi. Lauda, anima mea

Praise the Lord O my soul while I live will I praise the Lord : Yea as long as I have any being I will sing praises unto my God.
O put not your trust in princes nor in any child of man : For there is no help in them.
For when the breath of man goeth forth he shall turn again to his earth : And then all his thoughts perish.
Blessed is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help : And whose hope is in the Lord his God,
Who made heaven and earth the sea and all that therein is : Who keepeth His promise for ever,
Who helpeth them to right that suffer wrong : Who feedeth the hungry.
The Lord looseth men out of prison : The Lord giveth sight to the blind.
The Lord helpeth them that are fallen : The Lord careth for the righteous.
The Lord careth for the strangers he defendeth the fatherless and widow : As for the way of the ungodly he turneth it upside down.
The Lord thy God O Sion shall be King for evermore : And throughout all generations.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

SECRET FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
O Lord, we beseech Thee favourably to regard this Sacrifice: And grant we may be cleansed thereby, to welcome the Nativity of Thy Son. Through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During the Priest’s Communion:

THE COMMUNION FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son : And shall call His Name Immanuel.
During the Communion and Ablutions

During the ablutions:
Ps. cxxxv Laudate Nomen

O praise the Lord laud ye the Name of the Lord : Praise it O ye servants of the Lord;
Ye that stand in the house of the Lord : In the courts of the house of our God.
O praise the Lord for the Lord is gracious : O sing praises unto His Name for it is lovely.
For why the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself : And Israel for His own possession.
For I know that the Lord is great : And that our Lord is above all gods.
Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did He in heaven and in earth : And in the sea and in all deep places.
He bringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world : And sendeth forth lightnings with the rain bringing the winds out of His treasures.
He smote the first-born of Egypt : Both of man and beast.
He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee O thou land of Egypt : Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
He smote divers nations : And slew mighty kings;
Sehon king of the Amorites and Og the king of Basan : And all the kingdoms of Canaan;
And gave their land to be an heritage : Even an heritage unto Israel His people.
Thy Name O Lord endureth for ever : So doth Thy memorial O Lord from one generation to another.
For the Lord will avenge His people : And be gracious unto His servants.
As for the images of the heathen they are but silver and gold : The work of men’s hands.
They have mouths and speak not : Eyes have they but they see not.
They have ears and yet they hear not : Neither is there any breath in their mouths.
They that make them are like unto them : And so are all they that put their trust in them.
Praise the Lord ye house of Israel : Praise the Lord ye house of Aaron.
Praise the Lord ye house of Levi : Ye that fear the Lord praise the Lord.
Praised be the Lord out of Sion : Who dwelleth at Jerusalem.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
We beseech Thee, O Lord, to pour down upon Thy people the fulness of Thy gifts: That being defended from all evil by the virtue of Thy Sacraments, they may be made ready both in body and soul to celebrate this ineffable Mystery. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and merciful God, Who for Thy thirsty people didst bring a fountain of living water out of the rock: Draw forth from the hardness of our heart the tears of compunction, that we may be able to bewail our sins and be found worthy to obtain Thy merciful pardon. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:Amen.
Grant, O God, that as Thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ at His first Advent, came to seek and to save that which was lost, so at His Second, and glorious appearing, He may find in us the fruits of the redemption which He wrought; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

This is the last Sunday before the celebration of the Holy Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ of God. This is the last few days in which we might as a special effort of this season, prepare ourselves with fasting and prayer for the Coming of the Lord. In a sense, we do this symbolically and in another sense we do it in all reality. We do not know the time or the hour of the Second Coming – any more than we know the time or the hour of our death. The preparation for both is exactly the same however. We need to make ourselves painfully aware of our shortcomings from the ideal of us that exists in the mind of God. That perfect “us” which exists in His mind, is the perfection that we should strive for, however dimly we may perceive it.

Attempting to reach that perfection is a lifelong preparation (however late in life we begin) for the real life which stretches before us throughout all eternity. A lifelong effort, a life spent in praparation. Not just our time at the Divine Liturgy, nor just our time spent in formal prayer to God, but the whole of our life is the praparation.

We humans however, are fitful and inconsistent in our efforts. We try a little, and then we are distracted and follow other thoughts. Again we try a little and all too soon, we are distracted again by the bright colours of life around us. We live in a society packed full of gaudy distractions, the possessions, the activities. All in themselves innocent enough, but for us, deadly in their effect of successfully distracting us from our proper concentration. Just as those innocent pastimes which distract a student from his studies are deadly to the object of passing exams, so too are the many innocent activities available to us deadly to our hopes for the real future. Christians have always been accused of being kill-joys. After all, we have been put here in this beautiful God-made planet, ought we not to enjoy it – as God intended? Yes, if we are attaining to the state of innocence that God also intended. Yet we are obviously not so. Just look around at the dreadful mess that we have made of large tracts of the once-innocent planet, and then look at the dreadful mess that we have made, generation after generation, of ourselves.

We are not the innocent Children of God that we ought to be. Nor are we making the serious effort to achieve that state, that we ought to be making. That is why Christians down the ages have thought to set aside distinct periods each year to remind us, to draw our attention back from the distractions of life, to the main chance, periods of fasting, reading the Scriptures and prayer – with an intensity greater than we normally manage in the course of our busy, distracted lives.

The normal business of the Orthodox Believer: Family, children, earning a living, keeping an ordered, Godly household – is his proper concern. If done in a context of frequent conversation with God, ascertaining His will and aligning with it, attendance at the Divine Liturgy and frequently receiving Holy Communion, and following the precepts that Christ taught, and with a good will, then the Orthodox Believer is following Christ’s Way, and is preparing himself for the life to come. Yet we know all this, the problem is keeping focussed upon it.

Saturday 7th: FEAST OF THE HOLY NATIVITY

THE WEDNESDAY AFTER ADVENT V

MATTINS: Psalms for the fourth morning: Ps. cxxxii to cxxxv
THE DIVINE LITURGY

Propers as for Advent V

_____________________________________________________

CHRISTMAS – THE HOLY NATIVITY

VIGIL MATINS CHRISTMAS EVE

Ps. cxix. X Manus tuae fecerunt me

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me : O give me understanding that I may learn Thy commandments.
They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me : Because I have put my trust in Thy word.
I know O Lord that Thy judgements are right : And that Thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled.
O let Thy merciful kindness be my comfort : According to Thy word unto Thy servant.
O let thy loving mercies come unto me that I may live : For Thy law is my delight.
Let the proud be confounded for they go wickedly about to destroy me : But I will be occupied in Thy commandments
Let such as fear Thee and have known Thy testimonies : Be turned unto me.
O let my heart be sound in Thy statutes : That I be not ashamed.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

XI Defecit anima mea

My soul hath longed for Thy salvation : And I have a good hope because of Thy word
Mine eyes long sore for Thy word : Saying O when wilt Thou comfort me?
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke : Yet do I not forget Thy statutes.
How many are the days of Thy servant : When wilt Thou be avenged of them that persecute me?
The proud have digged pits for me : Which are not after Thy law.
All Thy commandments are true : They persecute me falsely O be Thou my help.
They had almost made an end of me upon earth : But I forsook not Thy commandments.
O quicken me after Thy loving kindness : And so shall I keep the testimonies of Thy mouth.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

XII In aeternum. Domine

O Lord Thy word : Endureth forever in heaven.
Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another : Thou hast laid the foundation of the earth and it abideth.
They continue this day according to Thine ordinance : For all things serve Thee.
If my delight had not been in Thy law : I should have perished in my trouble.
I will never forget Thy commandments : For with them Thou hast quickened me.
I am Thine O save me : For I have sought Thy commandments.
The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me : But I will consider Thy testimonies.
I see that all things come to an end : But Thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

XIII Quomodo dilexi!

Lord what love have I unto Thy law : All the day long is my study in it.
Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies : For they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than my teachers : For Thy testimonies are my study.
I am wiser than the aged : Because I keep Thy commandments.
I have refrained my feet from every evil way : That I may keep Thy word.
I have not shrunk from Thy judgements : For Thou teachest me.
O how sweet are Thy words unto my throat : Yea sweeter than honey unto my mouth.
Through Thy commandments I get understanding : Therefore I hate all evil ways.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

XIV Lucerna pedibus meis

Thy word is a lantern unto my feet : And a light unto my paths.
I have sworn and am steadfastly purposed : To keep Thy righteous judgements.
I am troubled above measure : Quicken me O Lord according to Thy word.
Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please Thee O Lord : And teach me Thy judgements.
My soul is always in my hand : Yet do I not forget Thy law.
The ungodly have laid a snare for me : But yet I swerved not from Thy commandments.
Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever : And why they are the very joy of my heart.
I have applied my heart to fulfil Thy statutes alway : Even unto the end.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

Then shall the Priest vest in solemn vestments and shall cense the Altar

Then shall be read from the Lectern the Gospel According to Saint Matthew beginning at the first verse. Then shall the Priest put off his vestment and in silk cope, shall begin Te Deum and conclude Matins.

R: Amen.

At the end of Matins, while the clergy are vesting, shall be sung:

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the Everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Herald angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT
The Lord hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son: This day have I begotten Thee. Why do the heathen so furiously rage together: And why do the people imagine a vain thing?

THE COLLECTS FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT
O God, Who hast made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant, we beseech Thee that as we known on earth the mysteries of that Light, so we may have the fruition of Its joys in Heaven, Who liveth with The and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.
Almighty God, Who hast shed forth upon us the new light of Thine Incarnate Word: Grant us, we beseech Thee, not only to receive It by faith in our hearts, but also effectively to shew It forth in our lives, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost,ever One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.
O God, Who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon the race of man the reward of eternal salvation: Grant, we pray Thee, that as we have received through her the Author of life, so we may feel within ourselves the fruit of her intercession, through the same Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R:       Amen.

ANTIPHON
Then shall be sung:

I will sing the praises of God for ever, Who formed me in His right hand, and redeemed me on the Cross with the purple blood of His Son.

THE LESSON IS WRITTEN IN THE NINTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH, BEGINNING AT THE SECOND VERSE.

Thus saith the Lord God: The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the Light shined. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: And the government shall be upon His shoulder: And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgement from henceforth, even for ever.

ANTIPHON
Then shall be sung:

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, let meet praise resound to the Creator throughout all climes to the ends of the whole world. Let everything say, Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TITUS, BEGINNING AT THE ELEVENTH VERSE
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THE GRADUAL FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT
In the day of Thy power shall the people offer Thee free-will offerings with an holy worship: The dew of Thy birth is of the womb of the morning. The Lord said unto My Lord: Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. Alleluia, Alleluia. The Lord hath said uno Me, Thou art My Son: This day have I begotten Thee.
Why do the heathen so furiously rage together : And why do the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth stand up and the rulers take counsel together : Against the Lord and against His Anointed.
Let us break their bonds asunder : And cast away their cords from us.
He that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh them to scorn: The Lord shall have them in derision.
Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath : And vex them in His sore displeasure.
Yet I have set My King : Upon My holy hill of Sion.
I will preach the law whereof the Lord hath said unto Me : Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.
Desire of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance : And the utmost parts of the earth for Thy possession.
Thou shalt bruise them with a rod of iron : And break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Be wise now therefore O ye kings : Be learned ye that are judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord in fear : And rejoice unto Him with reverence.
Kiss the Son lest He be angry and so ye perish from the right way : If His wrath be kindled yea but a little blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. Alleluia.

THE GOSPEL FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT

V:       THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:       AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:       THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE, BEGINNING    AT THE FIRST VERSE.
R:       GLORY BE TO THEE, +++ O LORD.

+ Then there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT
Let the heavens and let the earth be glad before the Lord: For He cometh. Alleluia.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. xcvi Cantate Domino

O sing unto the Lord a new song : Sing unto the Lord all the whole earth.
Sing unto the Lord and praise His Name : Be telling of His salvation from one day to another.
Declare His honour unto the heathen : And His wonders unto all people.
For the Lord is great and cannot worthily be praised : He is more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the heathen they are but idols : But it is the Lord that made the heavens.
Glory and worship are before Him : Power and honour are in His sanctuary.
Ascribe unto the Lord O ye kindreds of the people : Ascribe unto the Lord worship and power.
Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto His Name : Bring presents and come into His courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : Let the whole earth stand in awe of Him.
Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King : And that it is He who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved and how that He shall judge the people righteously.
Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad : Let the sea make a noise and all that therein is.
Let the field be joyful and all that is in it : Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.
For He cometh for He cometh to judge the earth : And with righteousness to judge the world and the people with His truth.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT
Lord, we beseech Thee, let the oblation of this day’s festival be acceptable unto Thee: And grant us Thy grace, that through this Holy Mystery we may be found in the likeness of Him in Whom we are united with Thee, Jesus Christ our Lord. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.

PROPER PREFACE FOR CHRISTMAS AND FOR EIGHT DAYS THEREAFTER

Because by the Mystery of the Incarnate Word, the new light of Thy brightness shone upon the eyes of our mind, that, while we acknowledged Him to be God visibly, by Him we were caught up to the love of invisible things.

Because Thou didst give Jesus Christ Thine only Son to be born as at this time for us; Who by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary His Mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin.

During the Priest’s Communion:

THE COMMUNION FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed: And all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.

During the Ablutions: Ps. cx Dixit Dominus

The Lord said unto my Lord : Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.
The Lord shall send the rod of Thy power out of Sion : Be Thou ruler even in the midst among Thine enemies.
In the day of Thy power shall the people offer Thee free-will offerings with an holy worship: The dew of Thy birth is of the womb of the morning.
The Lord sware and will not repent : Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
The Lord upon Thy right hand : Shall wound even kings in the day of His wrath.
He shall judge among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead bodies : And smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
He shall drink of the brook in the way : Therefore shall He lift up his head.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxi Confitebor tibi

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart : Secretly among the faithful and in the congregation.
The works of the Lord are great : Sought out of all of them that have pleasure therein.
His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour : And His righteousness endureth for ever.
The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done His marvellous works : That they ought to be had in remembrance.
He hath given meat unto them that fear Him : He shall ever be mindful of His covenant.
He hath shewed His people the power of His works : That He may give them the heritage of the heathen.
The works of His hands are verity and judgement : All His commandments are true.
They stand fast for ever and ever : And are done in truth and equity.
He sent redemption unto His people : He hath commanded His covenant for ever holy and reverend is His Name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom : A good understanding have all they that do thereafter the praise of it endureth for ever.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that He Who was this day born to save the world and give us second birth, may also bestow upon us the gift of immortality. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.
We beseech Thee O Lord, that as by the new birth of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, the old man hath been put away from us: So by this Holy Communion we may ever go forward in newness of life. Through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we who do joyfully keep the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, may walk so worthily here in earth, that we may dwell with Him in life everlasting. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:       Amen.

During the Priest’s Recession:

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come, and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

God from God, Light from Light eternal,
Lo! he abhoreth not the Virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father; begotten, not created,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God, glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesu, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

SERMON

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: And the government shall be upon His shoulder: And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace”. These are the first words of the first Liturgy of Christmas this is the famous quotation from the Prophet Isaiah written by him around twenty-seven hundred years ago and of course set unforgettably by George Frederick Handel in part twelve of “The Messiah”.
Isaiah was repeating, not just for his generation, the words given him by the Holy Spirit. The words given and known – intended to echo down the centuries to the point when they were apparent to those who lived at the time of that appearance of God’s Christ on earth. Words which have continued to echo for a further two millennia and be repeated here tonight. Isaiah was later martyred and, we are told ascended into Heaven. Faithfully he had announced in the clearest of terms that the Messiah would come. There is, however, something missing in these passages of Isaiah 7 and 9 – and it is mention of the Atonement, the Sacrifice of Christ: The prime cause or purpose of His Coming. Perhaps Isaiah was speaking over the First Coming and looking to the Second Coming that we too have been looking towards during this past Advent. Probably, like most if not all of the long term Prophecies of the Old Testament, this one also speaks of two events and in this case, the second event is yet to happen.
“And the government shall be upon His shoulder” seems to look to the Second Coming, but the rest looks to the first Coming, the first Christmas when the Almighty Creator of every piece of matter – of literally everything, actually lowered Himself to come here on earth not just like us, but in the same manner – by the same means. He didn’t descend in power, known, recognised and worshipped by all the good and the bad. He of His own decision, came as it were incognito. He looked just like us, He seemed to most to be just like the rest of us. That meant that He was not spared the indignities – all of them. Remember that He was a citizen of an occupied country. He had virtually no civil liberties. Rome may have been the most enlightened Empire to that time – but by today’s standards – standards derived from Christ’s own teaching – Rome was worse than the most unenlightened regime on earth today. He came to be ignored, derided, beaten and ignominiously killed, but He came.
So this night, in a cave, (and Church tradition, unlike Christmas card artists’ imaginations, tells us that the stable was in a cave-house hollowed into a hillside) part of a tiny country village inn, God’s Messiah – the Son of God, indivisibly of the Godhead, was born as a human.
He didn’t do it for Himself, He didn’t do it for His enjoyment or amusement or anything – but for us – for us in our desperate although largely unrecognised need. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to the end that all who believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. He came and the shepherds – of the Temple sheepyards at Bethlehem, were fittingly the first to see and recognise Him – employees of the Temple, keepers of the sacrificial lambs of the Old Covenant knelt to God’s Messiah – the Sacrifice of the New Covenant.
___________________________________________________

SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY

MATTINS
Ps xxxviii. Domine, ne in furore

Put me not to rebuke O Lord in Thine anger : Neither chasten me in Thy heavy displeasure.
For Thine arrows stick fast in me : And Thy hand presseth me sore.
There is no health in my flesh because of Thy displeasure : Neither is there any rest in my bones by reason of my sin.
For my wickednesses are gone over my head : And are like a sore burden too heavy for me to bear.
My wounds stink and are corrupt : Through my foolishness.
I am brought into so great trouble and misery : That I go mourning all the day long.
For my loins are filled with a sore disease : And there is no whole part in my body.
I am feeble and sore smitten : I have roared for the very disquietness of my heart.
Lord Thou knowest all my desire : And my groaning is not hid from Thee.
My heart panteth my strength hath failed me : And the sight of mine eyes is gone from me.
My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble : And my kinsmen stood afar off.
They also that sought after my life laid snares for me : And they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness and imagined deceit all the day long.
As for me I was like a deaf men and heard not : And as one that is dumb who doth not open his mouth.
I became even as a man that heareth not : And in whose mouth are no reproofs.
For in Thee O Lord have I put my trust : Thou shalt answer for me O Lord my God.
I have required that they even mine enemies should not triumph over me : For when my foot slipped they rejoiced greatly against me.
And I truly am set in the plague : And my heaviness is ever in my sight.
For I will confess my wickedness : And be sorry for my sin.
But mine enemies live and are mighty : And they that hate me wrongfully are many in number.
They also that reward evil for good are against me : Because I follow the thing that good is.
Forsake me not O Lord my God : Be not Thou far from me.
Haste thee to help me : O Lord God of my salvation.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps xxxix. Dixi, Custodiam

I said I will take heed to my ways : That I offend not in my tongue.
I will keep my mouth as it were with a bridle : While the ungodly is in my sight.
I held my tongue and spake nothing : I kept silence yea even from good words but it was pain and grief to me.
My heart was hot within me and while I was thus musing the fire kindled : And at the last I spake with my tongue;
Lord let me know mine end and the number of my days : That I may be certified how long I have to live.
Behold Thou hast made my days as it were a span long : And mine age is even as nothing in respect of thee and verily every man living is altogether vanity.
For man walketh in a vain shadow and disquieteth himself in vain : He heapeth up riches and cannot tell who shall gather them.
And now Lord what is my hope : Truly my hope is even in Thee.
Deliver me from all mine offences : And make me not a rebuke unto the foolish.
I became dumb and opened not my mouth : For it was Thy doing.
Take Thy plague away from me : I am even consumed by the means of Thy heavy hand.
When Thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin Thou makest his beauty to consume away like as it were a moth fretting a garment : Every man therefore is but vanity.
Hear my prayer O Lord and with Thine ears consider my calling : Hold not Thy peace at my tears.
For I am a stranger with Thee : And a sojourner as all my fathers were.
O spare me a little that I may recover my strength : Before I go hence, and be no more seen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the Fourth Chapter of the Book of Genesis, beginning at the first verse.

And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the Sixth Chapter of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles,. beginning at the first verse.

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY
Grant O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth for the testimony of Thy truth, we may stedfastly look up to Heaven, and, by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of Thy first Martyr, Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to Thee, O Blessed Jesus, Who standest at the Right Hand of God to succour all those who suffer for Thee, our only Mediator and Advocate.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY
Saint Stephen

THE OFFICE FOR SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY
Princes also did sit and speak against me, and the ungodly have persecuted me: Help me, O Lord my God, for Thy servant is occupied in Thy statutes. Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way: and walk in the law of the Lord.

THE COLLECTS FOR SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY
Grant O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth for the testimony of Thy truth, we may stedfastly look up to Heaven, and, by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of Thy first Martyr, Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to Thee, O Blessed Jesus, Who standest at the Right Hand of God to succour all those who suffer for Thee, our only Mediator and Advocate.
R:      Amen.
Almighty God, Who hast shed forth upon us the new light of Thine Incarnate Word: Grant us, we beseech Thee, not only to receive It by faith in our hearts, but also effectively to shew It forth in our lives, through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever.
R:      Amen.
O God, Who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon the race of man the reward of eternal salvation: Grant, we pray Thee, that as we have received through her the Author of life, so we may feel within ourselves the fruit of her intercession, through the same Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R:      Amen.

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTY-FIFTH VERSE.

Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into Heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the Heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

THE GRADUAL FOR SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY
Princes also did sit and speak against me, and the ungodly have persecuted me: Help me, O Lord my God, for Thy servant is occupied in Thy statutes. Alleluia. I see the Heavens opened, and Jesus standing on the right hand of the Power of God.
O do well unto Thy servant : That I may live and keep Thy word.
Open thou mine eyes : That I may see the wondrous things of Thy law.
I am a stranger upon earth : O hide not Thy commandments from me.
My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire : That it hath alway unto Thy judgements.
Thou hast rebuked the proud : And cursed are they that do err from Thy commandments.
O turn from me shame and rebuke : For I have kept Thy testimonies.
Princes also did sit and speak against me : But Thy servant is occupied in Thy statutes.
For thy testimonies are my delight : and my counsellors.
My soul cleaveth to the dust : O quicken Thou me according to Thy word.
I have acknowledged my ways and Thou heardest me : O teach me Thy statutes.
Make me to understand the way of Thy commandments : And so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works.
My soul melteth away for very heaviness : Comfort Thou me according unto Thy word.
Take from me the way of lying : And cause Thou me to make much of Thy law.
I have chosen the way of truth : And Thy judgements have I laid before me.
I have stuck unto Thy testimonies : O Lord confound me not.
I will run the way of Thy commandments : When Thou hast set my heart at liberty. Alleluia.

V:       THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:       AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:       THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-FOURTH VERSE.
R:       GLORY BE TO THEE, +++ O LORD.

+ Behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the Altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

THE OFFERTORY FOR ST. STEPHEN’S DAY
The Apostles chose Stephen the Levite, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost; him the Jews stoned, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

During the censing after the Offertory:Ps. cxix. V Legem pone

Teach me O Lord the way of Thy statutes : And I shall keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding and I shall keep Thy law : Yea I shall keep it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments : For therein is my desire.
Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies : And not to covetousness.
O turn away mine eyes lest they behold vanity : And quicken Thou me in thy way.
O stablish Thy word in Thy servant : That I may fear Thee.
Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of : For Thy judgements are good.
Behold my delight is in Thy commandments : O quicken me in Thy righteousness.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

VI Et veniat super me

SECRET FOR SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY
Receive, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gifts we offer in memory of Thy Holy Martyr, Stephen: That like as by suffering, he was made glorious, so we, by our devotion may be made pure. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During the Communion of the Priest:

THE COMMUNION FOR SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY
I see the Heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Power of God; Lord Jesus receive my spirit, and lay not this sin to their charge, for they know not what they do.

During the Ablutions: Ps cxix VII Memor esto servi tui

O think upon Thy servant as concerning Thy world : Wherein Thou hast caused me to put my trust.
The same is my comfort in my trouble : For Thy word hath quickened me.
The proud have had me exceedingly in derision : Yet have I not shrinked from Thy law.
For I remembered Thine everlasting judgements O Lord : And received comfort.
I am horribly afraid : For the ungodly that forsake Thy law.
Thy statutes have been my songs : In the house of my pilgrimage.
I have thought upon Thy Name O Lord in the night-season : And have kept Thy law.
This I had : Because I kept Thy commandments.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

VIII Portio mea, Domine

Thou art my portion O Lord : I have promised to keep Thy law.
I made my humble petition in Thy presence with my whole heart : O be merciful unto me, according to Thy word.
I called mine own ways to remembrance : And turned my feet unto Thy testimonies.
I made haste and prolonged not the time : To keep Thy commandments.
The congregations of the ungodly have robbed me : But I have not forgotten Thy law.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee : Because of Thy righteous judgements.
I am a companion of all them that fear Thee : And keep Thy command-ments.
The earth O Lord, is full of Thy mercy : O teach me Thy statutes.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR ST. STEPHEN’S DAY
O Lord, we beseech Thee, let the Mysteries of which we have partaken succour us: And at the intercession of Thy first Martyr, Saint Stephen, vouchsafe to help and defend us ever more. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord, that as by the new birth of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, the old man hath been put away from us: So by this Holy Communion we may ever go forward in newness of life. Through the same Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech Thee merciful God, that we may be aided by the continual intercession of her through whose pure virginity we have received the Author of our salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
R: Amen.