Sunday, December 13, 2026
The Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Morning Prayer
Opening Sentence
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. isaiah 40:3
Antiphon
Our King and Savior now draws near: * O come, let us adore him.
Psalms
107:1–22
First Lesson
Sirach 49
Second Lesson
Revelation 5
Evening Prayer
Opening Sentence
Therefore stay awake, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning, lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. mark 13:35-36
Psalms
107:23–43
First Lesson
Isaiah 56
Second Lesson
Luke 15:11–32
Collects
Seasonal Collect
O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Special Collect
Almighty God, you gave your servant N. boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Seasonal Blessing
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you, scatter the darkness from before your path, and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Remembrance
Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304