Sunday, December 20, 2026
The Fourth Sunday in Advent (Annunciation 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
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us: * O come, let us adore him.
Psalms
119:129–152
First Lesson
Wisdom 5
Second Lesson
Revelation 12
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
119:153–176
First Lesson
Isaiah 63
Second Lesson
Luke 19:29–48
Collects
Seasonal Collect
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Special Collect
Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant N., may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last, with him, we attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Or this: Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns with you and the same 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
O Oriens