Christ Church

The collect for today, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, from The Book of Common Prayer (Canadian, 1962):

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour, by preaching of repentance: Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching, and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Epistle: Isaiah 40:1-11
The Gospel: St Luke 1:57-80

Artwork: Giusto de’Menabuoi, Naming of the Baptist, 1376-78. Fresco, Cathedral Baptistery, Padua, Italy.