Antiphon
O Oriens

O Morning Star,
splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness:
Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.
(cf Malachi 4.2)

Readings (Click the links to see the readings)

Thomas: Habakkuk 2.1-4 | Psalm 117 | Ephesians 2.19-22 | John 20.24-29 |

Of the day: Song of Songs 2.8-14 | Psalm 33.17-21 | Luke 1.39-45 |

A Story of Some Truly Wise Men
By Christine Rodgers

These three
rulers
restless
in their own hearts
pacing
within
the narrow
parameters
of their kingdoms,
saw
simultaneously
the mighty
unblinking
star
that would
lead them
all
to their greatest challenge.
They hurried
then —
from each
of their sovereign corners,
and found themselves
together
in the doorway
of a stable
gazing upon
an infant
only a few days old
as they bent
in adoration
with those already gathered.
There was no other choice —
the majesty
of the world
was before them.

Be-Attitude: Blessed are the merciful who treat others like themselves.

Prayer

God of transformation, we rejoice that you lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things. We marvel at your power to change hearts and lives. Fill us with your Spirit this season so that our voices declare your goodness and our lives proclaim your mercy in Jesus Christ.
—Presbyterian World Service & Development.

Window from the Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Dallas, Texas.

E la notte di Natali, a Calabrian Christmas Song
sung by Otello Ermanno Profazio (1934 - )

E la notte di Natali è la festa principali
E scindiru li pasturi p'adurari a Nostru Signuri…

E ninna,e ninna la vo'…
Dormi, Gesu e fai la vo'…
E ninna,e ninna a vo'…
Dormi, Gesu e fai la vo'…

Bambineddhu duci duci, jeu ti portu li me' nuci…
Ti li scacci e ti li mangi, accussì zittu e non chiangi…

E ninna,e ninna la vo'…

Bambineddhu duci e amatu, jeu ti portu lu nucuddhatu…
Ti lu mangi in cumpagnia cu' Giuseppi e cu' Maria…

E ninna,e ninna la vo'…

Bambineddhu duci assai, 'nu petrali ti potai…
ti lu manda la mamma mia, ch'è cchiù ricca di Maria…

E ninna,e ninna la vo'…