INTRODUCTION
God, + come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
O loving Maker of the stars,
believers’ everlasting light,
O Christ, Redeemer of us all,
with kindness hear our humble prayer.
With pity, you beheld the fate
that death imposed on ages past;
you gave the guilty healing grace
and saved a weak and fallen world.
When evening fell upon the earth,
as bridegroom from the bridal room,
from honored cloister forth you came,
born from the Virgin Mother pure.
Before your strong and steadfast might,
on earth and in the heav’ns above
all knees bend low, all hearts confess
submission to your sov’reign will.
With faith we beg you, Holy Lord,
the Judge of ages still to come,
that in our time you keep us safe
from snares of our deceitful foe.
To you, O Christ, most loving King,
and to the Father, glory be,
one with the Spirit Paraclete,
from age to age for evermore. Amen.
Tune: WINCHESTER NEW, 8 8 8 8
Music: adapted from a chorale in Musicalisches Hand-Buch, Hamburg, 1690
or Mode IV, melody 71; Antiphonale Sacrosanctæ Ecclesiæ Romanæ, Typis Polyglottis Vanticanis, 1912
Text: Conditor alme siderum, 9th c., © 2023 ICEL
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Rejoice, daughter of Zion, shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Messiah, king and priest
Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).
The Lord’s revelation to my Master: †
“Sit on my right: *
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion †
your scepter of power: *
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth †
on the holy mountains; *
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change. †
“You are a priest for ever, *
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand *
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside *
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm Prayer
Father, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.
Ant. Rejoice, daughter of Zion, shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Christ our King will come to us, the Lamb of God foretold by John.
Psalm 114
The Israelites are delivered from the bondage of Egypt
You too left Egypt when, at baptism, you renounced that world which is at enmity with God (Saint Augustine).
When Israel came forth from Egypt, *
Jacob’s sons from an alien people,
Judah became the Lord’s temple, *
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight: *
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams *
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled, *
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams, *
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, *
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool *
and flint into a spring of water.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm Prayer
Almighty God, ever-living mystery of unity and Trinity, you gave life to the new Israel by birth from water and the Spirit, and made it a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart as your eternal possession. May all those you have called to walk in the splendor of the new light render you fitting service and adoration.
Ant. Christ our King will come to us, the Lamb of God foretold by John.
Ant. 3 I am coming soon, says the Lord; I will give to everyone the reward his deeds deserve.
Canticle: See Revelation 19:1-7
The wedding of the Lamb
The following canticle is said with the Alleluia when Evening Prayer is sung; when the Office if recited, the Alleluia may be said at the beginning and end of each strophe.
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God: *
(Alleluia.)
his judgments are honest and true. *
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants, *
(Alleluia.)
all who worship him reverently, great and small. *
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King; *
(Alleluia.)
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory. *
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun, *
(Alleluia.)
and his bride is prepared to welcome him. *
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
(Alleluia.)
and to the Holy Spirit: *
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
(Alleluia.)
and will be for ever. Amen. *
Alleluia (alleluia).
Ant. I am coming soon, says the Lord; I will give to everyone the reward his deeds deserve.
READING
Philippians 4:4-5
Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice! Everyone should see how unselfish you are. The Lord is near.
RESPONSORY
Lord, show us your mercy and love.
— Lord, show us your mercy and love.
And grant us your salvation,
— your mercy and love.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
— Lord, show us your mercy and love.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Ant. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God; you will conceive and give birth to a Son, alleluia.
Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord
My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, †
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: †
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God; you will conceive and give birth to a Son, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
To Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, the way, the truth, and the life, let us make our humble prayer:
Come and stay with us, Lord.
Son of the Most High, your coming was announced to the Virgin Mary by Gabriel,
— come and rule over your people for ever.
Come and stay with us, Lord.
Holy One of God, in your presence John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth’s womb,
— bring the joy of salvation to all the earth.
Come and stay with us, Lord.
Jesus the Savior, the angel revealed your name to Joseph the just man,
— come and save your people from their sins.
Come and stay with us, Lord.
Light of the world, for whom Simeon and all the just waited,
— come and comfort us.
Come and stay with us, Lord.
O Rising Sun that never sets, Zechariah foretold that you would visit us from above,
— come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
Come and stay with us, Lord.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
(Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
All-powerful God,
increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming
and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.
Or:
Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God,
the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ
with righteous deeds at his coming,
so that, gathered at his right hand,
they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.
DISMISSAL
If a priest or deacon presides, he dismisses the people:
The Lord be with you.
— And with your spirit.
May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
— Amen.
Another form of the blessing may be used, as at Mass.
Then he adds:
Go in peace.
— Thanks be to God.
In the absence of a priest or deacon and in individual recitation, Evening Prayer concludes:
May the Lord + bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
— Amen.
******
Jerusalem, lift up your voice!
Daughter of Zion, now rejoice!
Your King is come, whose mighty hand
Henceforth shall reign o’er every land.
He comes to every tribe and race,
A messenger of truth and grace:
With peace he comes from heaven above
On earth to found his realm of love.
In God’s eternal covenant,
He comes for our salvation sent.
The star of hope moves on before,
And hosts assemble to adore.
Let all the world with one accord
Now hail the coming of the Lord:
Praise to the Prince of heavenly birth
Who brings God’s peace to all the earth.
Tune: Von Himmel Hoch L.M.
Music: Geistliche Lieder, Leipzig, 1539
Text: Johan O. Wallin, 1814
Translation: Ernst W. Olsen, 1870-1958
Or:
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
“All hail,” said he, “O lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady!” Gloria!
“For know a blessed Mother you shall be,
All generations praise continually,
Your Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold.
Most highly favored lady!” Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;
“To me be as it pleases God!” she said.
“My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.”
“Most highly favored lady!” Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn;
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
“Most highly favored lady!” Gloria!
Tune: Gabriel’s Message 10.10.12.10
Music: Traditional Basque Carol
Text: Birjina gaztettobat zegoen
Translation: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924
Or:
Savior of the nations, come;
Show the glory of the Son!
Marvel now, O heav’n and earth,
That our Lord chose such a birth.
Not by human flesh and blood,
By the spirit of our God
Was the word of God made flesh,
Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.
Wondrous birth! O wondrous child
Of the Virgin undefiled!
Mighty God and man in one,
Eager now his race to run!
God creator is his source,
Back to God he runs his course,
Down to death and hell descends,
God’s high throne he re-ascends.
Now your lowly manger bright
Hallows night with newborn light;
Let no night this light subdue,
Let our faith shine ever new.
Tune: Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland, 77 77
Music: Geystliche Gesangk Büchleyn, Wittenberg, ,1524
Text: Veni, redemptor gentium; Martin Luther, 1483-1546, after Saint Ambrose of Milan, 340-347
Translation: William Reynolds, 1812-1876 (vss. 1-3a) and Martin L. Seitz, 1909-1967 (vss. 3b-5), alt.
Or:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel
To you shall come Emmanuel!
O come, O wisdom from on high,
And order all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel
To you shall come Emmanuel!
O come, O come, O Lord of might,
Who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times did give the law,
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel
To you shall come Emmanuel!
O come, O rod of Jesse’s stem,
From ev’ry foe deliver them
That trust your mighty power to save,
And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel
To you shall come Emmanuel!
O come, O key of David, come,
And open wide our heav’nly home,
Make safe the way that leads on high,
That we no more have cause to sigh.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel
To you shall come Emmanuel!
O come, O Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadow put to flight.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel
To you shall come Emmanuel!
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of humankind;
Bid every strife and quarrel cease
And fill the world with heaven’s peace.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel
To you shall come Emmanuel!
Tune: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel 88.88 with Refrain
Music: Thomas Helmore, 1811-1890, adapted from a first Mode Responsory in a fifteenth century French Processional
Text: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, a paraphrase of the Latin twelfth-thirteenth century “Great O” antiphons in Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum
Translation: Thomas Helmore, 1811-1890, John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, and others
Or:
Refrain: Roráte cœli désuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Ne irascáris, Dómine, ne ultra memíneris iniquitátis:
Ecce cívitas sancti facta est desérta:
Sion desérta facta est: Ierúusalem desoláta est:
Domus sanctificatiónis tuae et glóriæ tuæ,
Ubi laudáværunt te patres nostri.
Refrain: Roráte cœli désuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Peccávimus, et facti sumus tamquam immúndus nos,
Et cicídimus quasi fólium univérsi:
Et iniquitátis nostrae quasi ventus abstulérunt nos:
Abscondísti fáciem tuam a nobis,
Et allisísti nos in manu iniquitátis nostræ.
Refrain: Roráte cœli désuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Vide, Dómine, afflictiónem pópuli tui,
Et mitte quam missúrus es:
Emítte Agnum dominatórem terræ,
De petra desérti ad montem fíliæ Sion:
Ut aúferat ipse iugum captivitátis nostræ.
Refrain: Roráte cœli désuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Consolámini, consolámini, pópule meus:
Cito véniet salus tua:
Quare mœróre consuméris, quia innovávit dolor?
Salvábo, te, noli timére, ego enim sum Dóminus Deus tuus,
Sanctus Israël, Redémptor tuus.
Refrain: Roráte cœli désuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Tune: Rorate Cœli, Irregular
Music: P. Bourget?, 1634
Text: Paris, 1634