We are in the final run-up to Christmas, signalled by the wonderful O Antiphons.
- O Antiphons Chants
- Reflections on the O Antiphons
- Another Reflection on the O Antiphons
- There are lots more resources and reflections if you put “O Antiphons” in this site’s search-box
Resources and reflections:
Here are three collect prayers for Christmas that are shared by Roman Catholics, Anglicans/Episcopalians, and many others. For each one I present my rendition, and its history and a reflection. I am always interested to hear any improvements you can suggest.
Let us pray (in silence) [that through celebrating the Incarnation we will deepen our relationship with Christ]
Pause
God, [or Eternal God]
year by year you make us glad
with the hope of our redemption,
grant that we who joyfully receive your only begotten Son as our Redeemer
may with sure confidence behold him when he comes as our judge;
who is alive with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The history and a reflection on the above prayer is found here.
Let us pray (in silence) [with joy and hope as we await the dawning of God’s
brightness]
Pause
God, [or God, our Creator]
you have made this most holy night
radiant with the splendour of the true light,
may we who even now obscurely share the mystery of your light
come to enjoy your light in fullness,
who is alive with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The history and a reflection on the above prayer is found here.
Let us pray (in silence) [that we may grow into the life promised at Christmas]
Pause
God, [or God of incarnation]
you wonderfully created
and yet more wonderfully restored
the dignity of human nature;
grant that we may share the divine life
of the one who came to share our humanity,
Jesus Christ, our Saviour
who is alive with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The history and a reflection on the above prayer is found here.
These three collects are all in my free Book of Prayers in Common.
image source: Jesus Mafa
Thanks, Bosco, for the links with the Great O’s. To hear them again restores fragrant memories for me. Bless you!