The Second Saturday of Advent
• Opening Sentence
Watch,
for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the
evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning, lest he come
suddenly and find you asleep. Mark 13:35-36
• Collect of the Day ~ Second Sunday of Advent
Merciful
God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and
prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings
and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus
Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Saturdays
Almighty
God, who after the creation of the world rested from all you works and
sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting
away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your
sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for
the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
• For Mission
Lord
Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of
the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving
embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands
in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love
of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
• For the Unemployed
Heavenly
Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from
lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and
private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and
receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
• Anthem
Angelus ad Virginem sung by the Choir of the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Boston
Translation
The angel softly entered the Virgin’s chamber, and allaying her
fear, said, ‘Hail, queen of virgins; thou shalt conceive the Lord
of heaven and earth and give virgin birth to mankind’s Saviour;
thou art made the portal of heaven, the balm of our sins.’
‘How shall I conceive, who have known no man? How shall I
break my mind’s steady vow?’ ‘The grace of the Holy Spirit shall
accomplish all; fear thou not, but rejoice and be sure that thy
chaste purity will abide, through God’s power.’
The noble Virgin said in answer to him, ‘I am the lowly handmaiden
of the all-powerful God. My will is thine, heavenly
messenger and keeper of such secrets: What I hear, I long to see
completed, I am ready to give birth, according to God’s plan.’
Ah, mother of our Lord, who restored peace to angels and man
when thou conceivedst Christ, beseech thy Son, that he may show
Himself merciful unto us and remove our sins. Thou providest
help to enjoy the blessed life after this exile. Thanks be to God.
Words, 13th Century
Trans., C. Brunelle
Music, 14th Century, David Willcocks, arr.
Oxford University Press