Basil (330-79), bishop of Caesarea; Gregory (c.332-95), bishop of Nyssa; and Gregory of Nazianzus (329-89), Patriarch of Constantinople. Known as the Cappadocian Fathers, they made important contributions our understanding of the Trinity, as settled in the the Nicene Creed.

Isaac Watt's words for the carol "Joy to the world" are based on today's psalm, Psalm 98. Music by Lowell Mason, adapted from a theme by GF Handel. The Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter.

In Heaven
Stephen Crane

XVIII

In Heaven,
Some little blades of grass
Stood before God.
"What did you do?"
Then all save one of the little blades
Began eagerly to relate
The merits of their lives.
This one stayed a small way behind
Ashamed.
Presently God said:
"And what did you do?"
The little blade answered: "oh, my lord,
"Memory is bitter to me
"For if I did good deeds
"I know not of them."
Then God in all his splendour
Arose from his throne.
"All, best little blade of grass," He said.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, you have stooped to raise fallen humanity by the child-bearing of blessed Mary; grant that we who have seen your glory revealed in our human nature, and your love made perfect in our weakness, may daily be renewed in your image, and conformed to the pattern of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
—David Silk