The collect for today, Christmas Eve (source):
Almighty God,
who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance
of the birth of thy only Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer,
so we may with sure confidence behold him
when he shall come to be our judge;
who liveth and reigneth with thee
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
The Epistle: Titus 2:11-15
The Gospel: St. Luke 2:1-14
Artwork: Alesso Baldovinetti, Nativity, 1460-62. Fresco, Basilica della Santissima Annunziata (Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation), Florence. Photograph taken by admin, 17 May 2010.
“Christmas Eve”
(a poem by Christina Georgina Rossetti)
Christmas hath darkness
Brighter than the blazing noon,
Christmas hath a chillness
Warmer than the heat of June,
Christmas hath a beauty
Lovelier than the world can show:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.
Earth, strike up your music,
Birds that sing and bells that ring;
Heaven hath answering music
For all Angels soon to sing:
Earth, put on your whitest
Bridal robe of spotless snow:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.