Commonly Called

Christmas Day

or Yule

Double of I Class with privileged Octave of the III order

Matins

Lauds

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Psalmus 116.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum, omnes Gentes: * laudáte eum, omnes pópuli :
2  Quóniam confirmáta est super nos misericórdia ejus: * et véritas Dómini manet in ætérnum.

Psalm 116.  Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; * praise him, all ye peoples.
2  For his mercy is confirmed upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

STAND

Capitulum           Titus 3. 4.
Appáruit benígnitas, et humánitas Salvatóris nostri Dei: non ex opéribus justítiæ, quæ fécimus nos, sed secúndum suam misericórdiam salvos nos fecit.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Titus 3. 4.
After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Jesu, Redémptor ómnium,
Quem lucis ante oríginem
Parem patérnæ glóriæ
Pater suprémus édidit.

Tu lumen, et splendor Patris,
Tu spes perénnis ómnium,
Inténde quas fundunt preces
Tui per orbem sérvuli.

Meménto, rerum Cónditor,
Nostri quod olim córporis,
Sacráta ab alvo Vírginis
Nascéndo, formam súmpseris.

Testátur hoc præsens dies,
Currens per anni círculum,
Quod solus e sinu Patris
Mundi salus advéneris.

Hunc astra, tellus, æquora,
Hunc omne, quod cælo subest,
Salútis auctórem novæ
Novo salútat cántico.

Et nos, beáta quos sacri
Rigávit unda sánguinis,
Natális ob diem tui
Hymni tribútum sólvimus.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

Jesu, the Ransomer of man,
Who, ere created light began,
Didst from the sovereign Father spring,
His power and glory equaling.

The Father's Light and Splendour thou,
Their endless Hope to thee that bow:
Accept the prayers and praise today
That through the world thy servants pay.

Salvation's Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled
Thou in man's flesh becam'st a Child.

Thus testifies the present day
Through every year in long array,
That thou, salvation's source alone,
Proceedest from the Father's Throne.

Whence sky, and stars, and sea's abyss,
And earth, and all that therein is,
Shall still, with laud and carol meet,
The Author of thine Advent greet.

And we who, by thy precious Blood
From sin redeemed, are marked for God,
On this, the day that saw thy Birth,
Sing the new song of ransomed earth.

Doxology
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Ant. on Magnif:  Or ever the sun be risen, * ye shall see the King of kings, who proceedeth from the Father, and cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber.

Oremus.
Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut nos Unigéniti tui nova per carnem Natívitas líberet; quos sub peccáti jugo vetústa sérvitus tenet.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that the new birth, in the flesh, of thine only-begotten Son, may deliver us whom slavery from of old doth keep under the yoke of sin.  Through the same.

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline

Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

Invitatory and Hymn

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Salvation's Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled
Thou in man's flesh becam'st a Child.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn. 

First Nocturn

Ant.    Dóminus dixit * ad me : Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

Ant.    The Lord hath said * unto me : Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Quare fremuérunt Gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?
2  Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.
3  Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.
4  Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.
5  Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.
6  Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prædicans præcéptum ejus.
7  Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.
8  Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.
9  Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.
10  Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.
11  Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.
12  Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.
13  Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

Psalm 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Why do the heathen so furiously rage together? * and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
2  The kings of the earth have arisen, and the rulers have taken counsel together * against the Lord, and against his Anointed.
3  Let us break their bonds asunder, * and cast away their cords from us.
4  He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: *  the Lord shall have them in derision.
5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, * and vex them in his sore displeasure :
6  Yet I have been stablished King by him upon his holy hill of Sion, * preaching his commandment.
7  The Lord hath said unto me : * Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
8  Desire of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9  Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; * be learned, ye that are judges of the earth.
11  Serve the Lord in fear, * and rejoice unto him with reverence.
12  Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and so ye perish from the right way.
13  If his wrath be kindled, yea, but in a short time : *  blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Ant.    Dóminus dixit ad me : Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

Ant.    The Lord hath said unto me : Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Ant.    Tamquam sponsus * Dóminus procédens de thálamo suo.

Ant.    As a bridegroom, * the Lord cometh forth out of his chamber.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18.  Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cæli egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18.  Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    Tamquam sponsus Dóminus procédens de thálamo suo.

Ant.    As a bridegroom, the Lord cometh forth out of his chamber.

Ant.    Diffúsa est * grátia in lábiis tuis, proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

Ant.    Full of grace * are thy lips, therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 44.  Eructavit cor meum

Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego ópera mea Regi.
2  Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.
3  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.
4  Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.
5  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.
6  Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.
7  Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corde inimicórum Regis.
8  Sedes tua, Deus, in sæculum sæculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.
9  Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
10  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.
11  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.
12  Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.
13  Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.
14  Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.
15  Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.
16  Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.
17  Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.
18  Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.
19  Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.
20  Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sæculum sæculi.

My heart is inditing of a good matter; * I speak my works unto the King.
2  My tongue is the pen of a writer : * that writeth swiftly.
3  Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, * therefore hath God hath blessed thee for ever.
4  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou Most Mighty.
5  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty : * go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.
6  Because of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; * and thy right hand shall wondrously lead thee.
7  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the hearts of the King's enemies.
8  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, * whereby the daughters of kings have made thee glad in thy glory.
11  Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, * wrought about with divers colours.
12  Hearken, O daughter, consider, and incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father's house.
13  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and they shall worship him.
14  And the daughters of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * yea, all the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
15  The King's daughter is all glorious within; * in wrought gold clothed round about with divers colours.
16  Virgins shall be brought after her unto the King : * her neighbours shall be brought unto thee.
17  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * they shall be brought into the King's temple.
18  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou shalt make princes over all the earth..
19  They shall remember thy Name * throughout all generations.
20  Therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee for ever, * yea, and for ever, and world without end.

Ant.    Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis, proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

Ant.    Full of grace are thy lips, therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

STAND

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

The following three Lessons from Isaiah are read without a title.

Primo témpore alleviáta est terra Zábulon, et terra Néphtali : et novíssimo aggraváta est via maris trans Jordánem Galilææ géntium.  Pópulus qui ambulábat in ténebris, vidit lucem magnam : habitántibus in regióne umbræ mortis, lux orta est eis.  Multiplicásti gentem, et non magnificásti lætítiam.  Lætabúntur coram te, sicut qui lætántur in messe, sicut exsúltant victóres, capta præda, quando dívidunt spólia.  Jugum enim óneris ejus, et virgam húmeri ejus, et sceptrum exactóris ejus superásti sicut in die Mádian.  Quia omnis violénta prædátio cum tumúltu, et vestiméntum mistum sánguine, erit in combustiónem, et cibus ignis.  Párvulus enim natus est nobis, et fílius datus est nobis, et factus est principátus super húmerum ejus : et vocábitur nomen ejus, Admirábilis, Consiliárius, Deus, Fortis, Pater futúri sæculi, Princeps pacis.

Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.  The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.  For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.  For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Hódie nobis cælórum Rex de Vírgine nasci dignátus est, ut hóminem pérditum ad cæléstia regna revocáret : * Gaudet exércitus Angelórum : quia salus ætérna humáno géneri appáruit.
V.  Glória in excélsis Deo, et in terra pax homínibus bonæ voluntátis.
R.  Gaudet exércitus Angelórum : quia salus ætérna humáno géneri appáruit.

R.  As on this day the King of Heaven came to earth by the child-bearing of the Virgin, that he might restore lost man to his heavenly kingdom : * Rejoice, ye hosts of Angels, that eternal salvation hath appeared to the sons of men.
V.  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.
R.  Rejoice, ye hosts of Angels, that eternal salvation hath appeared to the sons of men.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Consolámini, consolámini, pópulus meus, dicit Deus vester.  Loquímini ad cor Jerúsalem, et advocáte eam : quóniam compléta est malítia ejus, dimíssa est iníquitas illíus : suscépit de manu Dómini duplícia pro ómnibus peccátis suis.  Vox clamántis in desérto : Parate viam Dómini, rectas fácite in solitúdine sémitas Dei nostri.  Omnis vallis exaltábitur, et omnis mons et collis humiliábitur : et erunt prava in dirécta, et áspera in vias planas.  Et revelábitur glória Dómini : et vidébit omnis caro páriter quod os Dómini locútum est.  Vox dicéntis: Clama.  Et dixi : Quid clamábo?  Omnis caro fœnum, et omnis glória ejus quasi flos agri.  Exsiccátum est fœnum, et cécidit flos : quia spíritus Dómini sufflávit in eo.  Vere fœnum est pópulus : exsiccátum est fœnum, et cécidit flos : Verbum autem Dómini nostri manet in ætérnum.

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.  Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.  The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.  The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Hódie nobis de cælo pax vera descéndit : * Hódie per totum mundum mellíflui facti sunt cæli.
V.  Hódie illúxit nobis dies redemptiónis novæ, reparatiónis antíquæ, felicitátis ætérnæ.
R.  Hódie per totum mundum mellíflui facti sunt cæli.

R.  As of today hath true peace from heaven come down to earth : * As of today have the skies begun to drop down honey through all the world.
V.  As of today the dawn of a new redemption hath been seen, even the restoration ordained of old ; yea, felicity eternal.
R.  As of today have the skies begun to drop down honey through all the world.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Consúrge, consúrge, indúere fortitúdine tua, Sion, indúere vestiméntis glóriæ tuæ, Jerúsalem, cívitas sancti : quia non adjíciet ultra ut pertránseat per te incircumcísus, et immúndus.  Excútere de púlvere, consúrge, sede, Jerúsalem : solve víncula colli tui, captíva fília Sion.  Quia hæc dicit Dóminus : Gratis venúmdáti estis, et sine argénto redimémini.  Quia hæc dicit Dóminus Deus : In Ægyptum descéndit pópulus meus in princípio, ut colónus esset ibi : et Assur absque ulla causa calumniátus est eum.  Et nunc quid mihi est hic, dicit Dóminus, quóniam ablátus est pópulus meus gratis?  Dominatóres ejus iníque agunt, dicit Dóminus : et júgiter tota die nomen meum blasphemátur.  Propter hoc sciet pópulus meus nomen meum, in die illa : quia ego ipse qui loquébar, ecce adsum.

Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.  Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.  For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.  For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.  Now therefore, what have I here, saith the Lord, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the Lord; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.  Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Quem vidístis, pastóres? dícite, annuntiáte nobis, in terris quis appáruit? * Natum vídimus, et choros Angelórum collaudántes Dóminum.
V.  Dícite, quidnam vidístis? et annuntiáte Christi nativitátem.
R.  Natum vídimus, et choros Angelórum collaudántes Dóminum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Natum vídimus, et choros Angelórum collaudántes Dóminum.

R.  Whom saw ye, O ye shepherds? speak! tell us! give us the tidings ; who is this that hath appeared on earth? * We beheld a new-born Child, and choirs of Angels singing praise to the Lord.
V.  Speak, what have ye seen?  And tell us of the Birth of Christ.
R.  We beheld a new-born Child, and choirs of Angels singing praise to the Lord.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  We beheld a new-born Child, and choirs of Angels singing praise to the Lord.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Suscépimus, * Deus misericórdiam tuam in médio templi tui.

Ant.    We wait * for thy loving-kindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 47.  Magnus Dominus

Magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis * in civitáte Dei nostri, in monte sancto ejus.
2  Fundátur exsultatióne univérsæ terræ mons Sion, * látera Aquilónis, cívitas Regis magni.
3  Deus in dómibus ejus cognoscétur: * cum suscípiet eam.
4  Quóniam ecce reges terræ congregáti sunt: * convenérunt in unum.
5  Ipsi vidéntes sic admiráti sunt, conturbáti sunt, commóti sunt: * tremor apprehéndit eos.
6  Ibi dolóres ut parturiéntis: * in spíritu veheménti cónteres naves Tharsis.
7  Sicut audívimus, sic vídimus in civitáte Dómini virtútum, in civitáte Dei nostri: * Deus fundávit eam in ætérnum.
8  Suscépimus, Deus, misericórdiam tuam, * in médio templi tui.
9  Secúndum nomen tuum, Deus, sic et laus tua in fines terræ: * justítia plena est déxtera tua.
10  Lætétur mons Sion, et exsúltent fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine.
11  Circúmdate Sion, et complectímini eam: * narráte in túrribus ejus.
12  Pónite corda vestra in virtúte ejus: * et distribúite domus ejus, ut enarrétis in progénie áltera.
13  Quóniam hic est Deus, Deus noster in ætérnum et in sæculum sæculi: * ipse reget nos in sæcula.

Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised * in the city of our God, even upon his holy hill.
2  The hill of Sion is founded with the joy of the whole earth; * upon the north side lieth the city of the great King.
3  In her palaces shall God be well known : * when he shall protect her.
4  For lo, the kings of the earth are assembled: * yea, they are gathered together.
5  So they saw, and they marvelled, they were troubled, they were moved : * fear came there upon them.
6  There were pains as upon a woman in her travail : * with a violent wind thou shalt break the ships of Tharsis.
7  Like as we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; * God upholdeth the same for ever.
8  We have received thy mercy, O God, * in the midst of thy temple.
9  O God, according to thy Name, so is thy praise unto the world's end; * thy right hand is full of righteousness.
10  Let the mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Judah be glad, * because of thy judgements, O Lord.
11  Walk about Sion, and go round about her; * and tell ye in the towers thereof.
12  Set your hearts on her strength : * and distribute her houses, that ye may tell it in another generation.
13  For this is God, even our God, for ever world without end : * he shall rule us for evermore.

Ant.    Suscépimus, Deus misericórdiam tuam in médio templi tui.

Ant.    We wait for thy loving-kindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

Ant.    Oriétur * in diébus Dómini abundántia pacis, et dominábitur.

Ant.    In the days of the Lord * shall abundance of peace arise and flourish.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 71.  Deus, judicium tuum

Deus, judícium tuum regi da: * et justítiam tuam fílio regis.
2  Judicáre pópulum tuum in justítia, * et páuperes tuos in judício.
3  Suscípiant montes pacem pópulo: * et colles justítiam.
4  Judicábit páuperes pópuli, et salvos fáciet fílios páuperum: * et humiliábit calumniatórem.
5  Et permanébit cum sole, et ante lunam, * in generatióne et generatiónem.
6  Descéndet sicut plúvia in vellus: * et sicut stillicídia stillántia super terram.
7  Oriétur in diébus ejus justítia, et abundántia pacis: * donec auferátur luna.
8  Et dominábitur a mari usque ad mare: * et a flúmine usque ad términos orbis terrárum.
9  Coram illo prócident Æthíopes: * et inimíci ejus terram lingent.
10  Reges Tharsis, et ínsulæ múnera ófferent: * reges Arabum et Saba dona addúcent.
11  Et adorábunt eum omnes reges terræ: * omnes Gentes sérvient ei:
12  Quia liberábit páuperem a poténte: * et páuperem, cui non erat adjútor.
13  Parcet páuperi et ínopi: * et ánimas páuperum salvas fáciet.
14  Ex usúris et iniquitáte rédimet ánimas eórum: * et honorábile nomen eórum coram illo.
15  Et vivet, et dábitur ei de auro Arábiæ, et adorábunt de ipso semper: * tota die benedícent ei.
16  Et erit firmaméntum in terra in summis móntium, superextollétur super Líbanum fructus ejus: * et florébunt de civitáte sicut fœnum terræ.
17  Sit nomen ejus benedíctum in sæcula: * ante solem pérmanet nomen ejus.
18  Et benedicéntur in ipso omnes tribus terræ: * omnes Gentes magnificábunt eum.
19  Benedíctus Dóminus, Deus Israël, * qui facit mirabília solus.
20  (Fit reverentia) Et benedíctum nomen majestátis ejus in ætérnum: * et replébitur majestáte ejus omnis terra: fiat, fiat.

Psalm 71.  Deus, judicium tuum

Give to the King thy judgment, O God, * and thy justice unto the King's son.
2  To judge thy people with justice, * and thy poor with judgement.
3  The mountains also shall receive peace for the people, * and the little hills righteousness.
4  He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor, * and he shall humble the oppressor.
5  And he shall endure with the sun and before the moon, * throughout all generations.
6  He shall come down like the rain into a fleece of wool, * even as the drops that fall gently upon the earth.
7  In his time shall justice flourish, yea, and abundance of peace, * so long as the moon endureth.
8  And his dominion shall be from sea to sea, * and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9  The Ethiopians shall kneel before him; * and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10  The kings of Tharsis and of the isles shall give presents; * the kings of Arabia and Saba shall bring gifts.
11  And all the kings of the earth shall worship him; * all nations shall do him service.
12  For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty; * even the poor that hath no helper.
13  He shall spare the poor and needy, * and he shall save the souls of the poor.
14  He shall redeem their souls from usuries and wickedness; * and dear shall their names be in his sight.
15  He shall live, and unto him shall be given of the gold of Arabia, and they shall ever worship him : * all the day long shall they bless him.
16  There shall be a firmament in the earth, high upon the hills, and above Lebanon shall the fruit thereof be exalted : * they shall be green in the city like grass upon the earth.
17  Blessed be his Name for evermore; * his Name endureth before the sun.
18  And in him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed : * all nations shall magnify him.
19  Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, * which only doeth wondrous things;
20  (All bow during the first half of this verse) And blessed be the Name of his Majesty for ever: * and all the earth shall be filled with his Majesty. Amen, Amen.

Ant.    Oriétur in diébus Dómini abundántia pacis, et dominábitur.

Ant.    In the days of the Lord shall abundance of peace arise and flourish.

Ant.    Véritas de terra * orta est, et justítia de cælo prospéxit.

Ant.    Truth is sprung * out of the earth, and righteousness hath looked down from heaven.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 84.  Benedixisti

Benedixísti, Dómine, terram tuam: * avertísti captivitátem Jacob.
2  Remisísti iniquitátem plebis tuæ: * operuísti ómnia peccáta eórum.
3  Mitigásti omnem iram tuam: * avertísti ab ira indignatiónis tuæ.
4  Convérte nos, Deus, salutáris noster: * et avérte iram tuam a nobis.
5  Numquid in ætérnum irascéris nobis? * aut exténdes iram tuam a generatióne in generatiónem?
6  Deus, tu convérsus vivificábis nos: * et plebs tua lætábitur in te.
7  Osténde nobis, Dómine, misericórdiam tuam: * et salutáre tuum da nobis.
8  Audiam quid loquátur in me Dóminus Deus: * quóniam loquétur pacem in plebem suam.
9  Et super sanctos suos: * et in eos, qui convertúntur ad cor.
10  Verúmtamen prope timéntes eum salutáre ipsíus: * ut inhábitet glória in terra nostra.
11  Misericórdia, et véritas obviavérunt sibi: * justítia, et pax osculátæ sunt.
12  Véritas de terra orta est: * et justítia de cælo prospéxit.
13  Etenim Dóminus dabit benignitátem: * et terra nostra dabit fructum suum.
14  Justítia ante eum ambulábit: * et ponet in via gressus suos.

Psalm 84.  Benedixisti

O Lord, thou hast blessed thy land; * thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.
2  Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, * thou hast covered all their sins.
3  Thou hast softened all thy displeasure, * thou hast turned thyself from thy wrathful indignation.
4  Turn thou us, O God our Saviour, * and let thine anger cease from us.
5  Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? * and wilt thou stretch out thy wrath from one generation to another?
6  Thou shalt turn again, O God, and quicken us, * and thy people shall rejoice in thee.
7  Shew us, O Lord, thy mercy, * and grant us thy salvation.
8  I will hearken what the Lord God will say in me; * for he shall speak peace unto his people.
9  And unto his saints, * and unto them that are turned again unto their heart.
10  Surely his salvation is nigh unto them that fear him; * that glory may dwell in our land.
11  Mercy and truth are met together: * justice and peace have kissed.
12  Truth is sprung out of the earth, * and justice hath looked down from heaven.
13  Yea, the Lord shall shew loving-kindness; * and our land shall yield her fruit.
14  Justice shall walk before him, * and shall direct his steps in the way.

Ant.    Véritas de terra orta est, et justítia de cælo prospéxit.

Ant.    Truth is sprung out of the earth, and righteousness hath looked down from heaven.

STAND

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Salvátor noster, dilectíssimi, hódie natus est : gaudeámus.  Neque enim fas est locum esse tristítiæ, ubi natális est vitæ : quæ, consúmpto mortalitátis timóre, nobis íngerit de promíssa ætérnitáte lætítiam.  Nemo ab hujus alacritátis participatióne secérnitur.  Una cunctis lætítiæ commúnis est rátio : quia Dóminus noster, peccáti mortísque destrúctor, sicut nullum a reátu líberum réperit, ita liberándis ómnibus venit.  Exsúltet sanctus, quia appropínquat ad palmam : gáudeat peccátor, quia invitátur ad véniam : animétur Gentílis, quia vocátur ad vitam.  Dei namque Fílius secúndum plenitúdinem témporis, quam divíni consílii inscrutábilis altitúdo dispósuit, reconciliándam auctóri suo natúram géneris assúmpsit humáni, ut invéntor mortis diábolus, per ipsam, quam vícerat, vincerétur.

Dearly beloved : Unto us is born this day a Saviour.  Therefore let us rejoice.  Sadness should find no place amongst those who keep the Birthday of Life.  For as of this day Life came unto us dying creatures, to take away the sting of death, and to bring the bright promise of joy eternal.  And no one is excluded from sharing in this our gladness.  For all mankind hath one and the same cause thereof, to wit, that our Lord, the Destroyer of sin and death, because he findeth no one free from condemnation, is come to set everyone free.  Rejoice, O saint, for thou drawest nearer thy crown!  Rejoice, O sinner, for thy Saviour offereth thee pardon!  Rejoice, O Jew, for Messias is come.  Rejoice, O Gentile, for God calleth thee to life!  Now is come the fulness of time, fixed by the unsearchable counsel of God, when the Son of God took upon him the nature of man, that he might reconcile it to its Maker.  Now is come the time when the devil, the inventor of death, is met and beaten in that very flesh which hath been the field of his victory.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  O magnum mystérium, et admirábile sacraméntum, ut animália vidérent Dóminum natum, jacéntem in præsépio : * Beáta Virgo, cujus víscera meruérunt portáre Dóminum Christum.
V.  Ave, María, grátia plena : Dóminus tecum.
R.  Beáta Virgo, cujus víscera meruérunt portáre Dóminum Christum.

R.  How great the mystery, fraught with a wondrous, hidden meaning, that beasts should behold the new-born Lord, lying in the manger : * Blessed art thou, O Virgin, whose womb was made meet to bear the Lord Christ.
V.  Hail, Mary, full of grace : the Lord is with thee.
R.  Blessed art thou, O Virgin, whose womb was made meet to bear the Lord Christ.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

In quo conflíctu pro nobis ínito, magno et mirábili æquitátis jure certátum est, dum omnípotens Dóminus cum sævíssimo hoste non in sua majestáte, sed in nostra congréditur humilitáte : objíciens ei eámdem formam, eamdémque natúram, mortalitátis quidem nostræ partícipem, sed peccáti totíus expértem.  Aliénum quippe ab hac nativitáte est, quod de ómnibus légitur : Nemo mundus a sorde, nec infans, cujus est uníus diéi vita super terram.  Nihil ergo in istam singulárem nativitátem de carnis concupiscéntia transívit, nihil de peccáti lege manávit.  Virgo régia Davídicæ stirpis elígitur, quæ sacro gravidánda fœtu, divínam humanámque prolem prius concíperet mente, quam córpore.  Et ne supérni ignára consílii ad inusitátos pavéret affátus, quod in ea operándum erat a Spíritu Sancto, collóquio discit angélico : nec damnum credit pudóris, Dei Génitrix mox futúra.

When the Almighty Lord entered this field of battle against the devil, he did so in great and wondrous fairness.  For against our cruel enemy he opposed not the armament of his uncreate Majesty, but the lowliness of our flesh.  He brought against him the very shape and the very nature of our mortality, with this difference only, that he was without sin.  For his birth is not like that of the ordinary run of men, of whom there is the saying : No one is clean from stain, not even the day-old babe.  In this birth alone no desires of the flesh had place.  In this birth alone no consequence of sin had part.  A Virgin of the kingly lineage of David was chosen to be the Mother who grew heavy with the sacred Child.  She was chosen to conceive this divine and human offspring in her body because already she had conceived him in her soul.  And that the unwonted events ordained by the counsel of God might cause her no alarm, she was taught them beforehand when the Angel announced that what was to be wrought in her was of the Holy Ghost, and that to become the Mother of God was not to forego her virgin modesty.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Beáta Dei Génitrix María, cujus víscera intácta pérmanent : * Hódie génuit Salvatórem sæculi.
V.  Beata, quæ crédidit : quóniam perfécta sunt ómnia, quæ dicta sunt ei a Dómino.
R.  Hódie génuit Salvatórem sæculi.

R.  Blessed is God's holy Mother, Mary, maiden undefiled, * For as on this day she hath brought forth the Saviour of the world.
V.  Blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
R.  For as on this day she hath brought forth the Saviour of the world.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Agámus ergo, dilectíssimi, grátias Deo Patri, per Fílium ejus in Spíritu Sancto : qui propter multam caritátem suam, qua diléxit nos, misértus est nostri : et cum essémus mórtui peccátis, convivificávit nos Christo, ut essémus in ipso nova creatúra, novúmque figméntum.  Deponámus ergo véterem hóminem cum áctibus suis : et adépti participatiónem generatiónis Christi, carnis renuntiémus opéribus.  Agnósce, o Christiáne, dignitátem tuam : et divínæ consors factus natúræ, noli in véterem vilitátem degéneri conversatióne redíre.  Meménto, cujus cápitis et cujus córporis sis membrum.  Reminíscere, quia érutus de potestáte tenebrárum, translátus es in Dei lumen et regnum.

Wherefore, dearly beloved, let us give thanks to God the Father, through his Son, in the Holy Ghost : who for his great love, wherewith he loved us, hath had mercy on us ; and even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, that in him we might be a new creature, and a new workmanship.  Let us then put off the old man with his deeds.  And, having obtained a share in the Sonship of Christ, let us renounce the deeds of the flesh.  Acknowledge, O Christian, thine own dignity, who hast been made partaker of the divine nature, and change not back my misdoing into thy former baseness.  Bethink thee whose Body it is whereof thou art made a member, and who is its Head.  Be mindful that he hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into God's light and God's kingdom.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Sancta et immaculáta virgínitas, quibus te láudibus éfferam, néscio : * Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti.
V.  Benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui.
R.  Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti.

R.  O blessed Maiden, so holy and spotless in thy virginity, I know not how to praise thy greatness : * For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.
V.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
R.  For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Ipse invocábit * me, allelúja : Pater meus es