Readings

Jeremiah 23:5-8 | Psalm 72:15-21 | Matthew 1:18-24

Antiphon
O Adonai

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
(cf Exodus 3.2, 24.12)

Arvo Pärt (1935): Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen (1988). II – O Adonai. Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, cond. Toni Kaljuste.

BC:AD
U.A. Fanthorpe

This was the moment when Before
Turned into After, and the future's
Uninvented timekeepers presented arms.

This was the moment when nothing
Happened. Only dull peace
Sprawled boringly over the earth.

This was the moment when even energetic Romans
Could find nothing better to do
Than counting heads in remote provinces.

And this was the moment
When a few farm workers and three
Members of an obscure Persian sect
Walked haphazard by starlight straight
Into the kingdom of heaven.

Prayer

Blessèd are you, Sovereign God of all,
to you be glory and praise for ever!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your glory is proclaimed in all the world.
You gave the Christ as a light to the nations,
and through the anointing of his Spirit
you established us as a royal priesthood.
As you call us into his marvellous light,
may our lives bear witness to your truth
and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
— Celebrating common prayer.

The dream of St Joseph, Toros Roslin, Armenia 1262

Sir William Walton (1902-1983), Make we joy now in this fest (First published: Christmas Eve, 1931), Vox 16, directed by Markdavin Obenza.