INTROIT
Ex 16:6-7
This day you shall know that the Lord will come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory.
Ps 23:1
The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.
Glory Be to the Father…
This day you shall know that the Lord will come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory.
COLLECT
O God, You Who gladden us year after year with the expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now welcome with joy Your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also gaze upon Him without fear when He comes as our judge, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father…
COMMEMORATION COLLECT
Commemoration St. Thomas Becket
Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that the new birth, in the flesh, of Your only-begotten Son may deliver us whom the bondage of old keeps under the yoke of sin.
Through the same Christ our Lord…
EPISTLE
Lesson from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Rom 1:1-6
Paul, the servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, which He had promised before-hand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Who was born to Him according to the flesh of the offspring of David; Who was foreordained Son of God by an act of power in keeping with the holiness of His spirit, by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through Whom we have received the grace of apostleship to bring about obedience to faith among all the nations for His name’s sake; among whom are you also called to be Jesus Christ’s, our Lord.
GRADUAL
Exod 16:6-7
This day you shall know that the Lord will come and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory.
Ps 79:2-3
℣. O Shepherd of Israel, hearken, O Guide of the flock of Joseph! From Your throne upon the Cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasse.
GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matt 1:18-21
When Mary, the Mother of Jesus, has been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. But Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wishing to expose her to reproach, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of David, to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins.
OFFERTORY
Ps 23:7
Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the King of glory may come in.
SECRET
Grant us, we beseech You, almighty God, that, as we anticipate the celebration of Your Son’s birthday, so we may joyfully receive His everlasting gifts.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father…
COMMEMORATION SECRET
Commemoration St. Thomas Becket
Make holy the sacrificial gifts we offer, O Lord, and by the new birth of Your only-begotten Son cleanse us from the stains of our sins.
Through the same Christ our Lord…
PREFACE
Common
It is truly meet and just, and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, through Christ, our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominions adore it, the Powers are in awe. Which the heavens and the hosts of heaven together with the blessed Seraphim joyfully do magnify. And do Thou command that it be permitted us to join with them in confessing Thee, while we say with lowly praise:
COMMUNION
Isa 40:5
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see the salvation of our God.
POSTCOMMUNION
Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, to begin a new life with this commemoration of the birth of Your only-begotten Son, Who gives us food and drink in His heavenly sacrament.
Through the same Christ our Lord…
COMMEMORATION POSTCOMMUNION
Commemoration St. Thomas Becket
Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that the Saviour of the world, born this day, Who is the author of our birth in godliness, may bestow on us immortal life.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father…