28. Augustine of Hippo, B. & D., 430 PAGE 45 23 24 38 39 39 38 41 SEPTEMBER 1. Giles, C., 725 8. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 13. Cyprian, B. & M., 258 14. Holy Cross Day 16. Ninian, B., 432 19. Theodore, Abp. of Canterbury, 690 21. St. Matthew 29. St. Michael and All Angels 30. Jerome, C. & D., 419 I. COLLECTS, EPISTLES, AND GOSPELS A. FOR SEASONS 1 CHRISTMAS AT MIDNIGHT OR A VERY EARLY SERVICE O THE COLLECT GOD, who hast caused this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the Light of life; Grant, we beseech thee, that as we have known the revelation of his light upon earth, so we may attain the fruition of his joys in heaven; who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. THE THE EPISTLE Titus ii. 11. HE 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. B THE GOSPEL St. Matt. i. 18. NOW the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. AT THE SECOND CELEBRATION OF THE THE COLLECT GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only Son Jesus Christ; Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him, when he shall come to be our Judge; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. The Epistle and Gospel may be as is before appointed, or as in the Book of Common Prayer. 2 THE CIRCUMCISION AN ADDITIONAL COLLECT FOR THE ETERNAL Lord God, who hast brought thy servants to the beginning of another year, pardon, we humbly pray thee, our transgressions in the past, and graciously abide with us all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. R THE EPISTLE Eph. ii. 11. EMEMBER, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. THE GOSPEL St. Luke ii. 15 (as in the Book of Common Prayer). |