Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The light has shined on those who dwelled in the shadow of death.
You have multiplied the nation.
You have increased their joy.
For unto us a child is born;
unto us a son is given;
and the government will be on his shoulders.
His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
— Isaiah 9:2-3, 6†
Invitatory
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the Lord’s glory has risen on you.
For, behold, darkness will cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise on you,
and his glory shall be seen on you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
— Isaiah 60:1-3
Cruciform
You Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are in no way least among the princes of Judah;
for out of you shall come a ruler
who shall shepherd my people, Israel.
— Matthew 2:6†
Weeks
Where is he who is born King of the Jews?
For we saw his star in the east,
and have come to worship him.
— Matthew 2:2
Following the seventh bead:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Dimissory
O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
— Phos hilaron, from BCP1979
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.