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Matins

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Carillon des Heures : Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

The Triple Prayer is said in silence as follows:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum.  Advéniat regnum tuum.  Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra.  Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie.  Et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris.  Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem: sed líbera nos a malo.  Amen.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, In earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.  Amen.

Ave, María, grátia plena; Dóminus tecum: benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui Jesus. Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostræ.  Amen.

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners; Now, and at the hour of our death.  Amen.

Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipoténtem, Creatórem cæli et terræ. Et in Jesum Christum, Fílium ejus únicum, Dóminum nostrum: qui concéptus est de Spíritu Sancto, natus ex María Vírgine, passus sub Póntio Piláto, crucifíxus, mórtuus, et sepúltus: descéndit ad ínferos; tértia die resurréxit a mórtuis; ascéndit ad cælos; sedet ad déxteram Dei Patris omnipoténtis: inde ventúrus est judicáre vivos et mórtuos. Credo in Spíritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclésiam cathólicam, Sanctórum communiónem, remissiónem peccatórum, carnis resurrectiónem, vitam ætérnam.  Amen.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholick Church: The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting.  Amen.

Opening Versicles from the Great Service : William Byrd
The Tallis Scholars

℣.  Dómine, † lábia mea apéries.
℟.  Et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam.

℣.  O Lord, † open thou my lips.
℟.  And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

℣.  Deus, ✠ in adjutórium meum inténde.
℟.  Dómine, ad adjuvándum me festína.

℣.  O God, ✠ make speed to save me.

℟.  O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum.  Amen.  Allelúja.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum.  Amen.  Allelúja.

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Invitatory and Hymn

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Invitatorium

Invitatory

Christus natus est nobis: * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born: * O come, let us worship.

Christus natus est nobis: * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born: * O come, let us worship.

Invitatory for Christmastide : Choir of the Monks of the Abbey of Saint Pierre de Solesmes

Psalmus 94  :  Venite, exsultemus Domino

Psalm 94  :  Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro: præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Christus natus est nobis: * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born: * O come, let us worship.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos: quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam: quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God; and a great King above all gods: for the Lord will not cast off his people: in his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus: (Hic genuflectitur) veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum: plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it; and his hands prepared the dry land.  (All genuflect) O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: for he is the Lord our God; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Christus natus est nobis: * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born: * O come, let us worship.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto: ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi: Semper hi errant corde; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas: quibus jurávi in ira mea: Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways: unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Christus natus est nobis: * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born: * O come, let us worship.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,         et in sǽcula sæculórum.         Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Christus natus est nobis: * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born: * O come, let us worship.

Hymnus

Hymn

Jesu Redemptor Omnium

Jesu Redemptor Omnium

Jesu Redemptor Omnium : Plainchant
Schola Cantorum Of Amsterdam

Jesu, Redémptor ómnium,
Quem lucis ante oríginem
Parem patérnæ glóriæ
Pater suprémus édidit.

Jesu, the Ransomer of man,
Who, ere created light began,
Didst from the sovereign Father spring,
His power and glory equaling.

Tu lumen, et splendor Patris,
Tu spes perénnis ómnium,
Inténde quas fundunt preces
Tui per orbem sérvuli.

The Father’s Light and Splendour thou,
Their endless Hope to thee that bow:
Accept the prayers and praise today
That through the world thy servants pay.

Meménto, rerum Cónditor,
Nostri quod olim córporis,
Sacráta ab alvo Vírginis
Nascéndo, formam súmpseris.

Salvation’s Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled
Thou in man’s flesh becam’st a Child.

Testátur hoc præsens dies,
Currens per anni círculum,
Quod solus e sinu Patris
Mundi salus advéneris.

Thus testifies the present day
Through every year in long array,
That thou, salvation’s source alone,
Proceedest from the Father’s Throne.

Hunc astra, tellus, ǽquora,
Hunc omne, quod cælo subest,
Salútis auctórem novæ
Novo salútat cántico.

Whence sky, and stars, and sea’s abyss,
And earth, and all that therein is,
Shall still, with laud and carol meet,
The Author of thine Advent greet.

Et nos, beáta quos sacri
Rigávit unda sánguinis,
Natális ob diem tui
Hymni tribútum sólvimus.

And we who, by thy precious Blood
From sin redeemed, are marked for God,
On this, the day that saw thy Birth,
Sing the new song of ransomed earth.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sǽcula.  Amen.

All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

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First Nocturn

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Ant.  Dóminus dixit * ad me: Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

Ant.  The Lord hath said * unto me: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Psalm 2 : Heathcote Dicken Statham
Choir of Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk

Psalmus 2  :  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Psalm 2  :  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Quare fremuérunt Gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?

Why do the heathen so furiously rage together? * and why do the people imagine a vain thing?

2  Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.

2  The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together * against the Lord, and against his Anointed.

3  Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.

3  Let us break their bonds asunder, * and cast away their cords from us.

4  Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.

4  He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: * the Lord shall have them in derision.

5  Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.

5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, * and vex them in his sore displeasure:

6  Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prǽdicans præcéptum ejus.

6  Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion, * and I will preach the law,

7  Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

7  Whereof the Lord hath said unto me: * Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

8  Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.

8  Desire of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9  Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.

9  Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

10  Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.

10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; * be learned, ye that are judges of the earth.

11  Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.

11  Serve the Lord in fear, * and rejoice unto him with reverence.

12  Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.

12  Embrace discipline, lest the Lord be angry, * and so ye perish from the right way,

13  Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

13  If his wrath be kindled, yea, but a little: * Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant.  Dóminus dixit ad me: Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

Ant.  The Lord hath said unto me: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Ant.  In sole pósuit * tabernáculum suum: et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

Ant.  In the sun hath he set * his tabernacle: and he is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.

Psalm 18 : Thomas Attwood Walmisley
Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

Psalmus 18 :  Cæli enarrant

Psalm 18 :  Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.

2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.

2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.

3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.

3  There is neither speech nor language; * nor can their voices be heard.

4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.

4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.

5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom cometh out of his chamber,

6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cælo egréssio ejus.

6  And hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.

7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.

7  And he runneth about unto the end of it again, * and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.

8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.

9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.

9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.

10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sǽculum sǽculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.

10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.

11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.

12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.

12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.

13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.

13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults: * save thy servant also from the sins of others.

14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.

14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.

15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.

15  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, * be alway acceptable in thy sight,

16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant.  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

Ant.  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle: and he is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.

Ant.  Elevámini, * portæ æternáles, et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

Ant.  Be ye lift up, * ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.

Psalm 23 : Sir Joseph Barnby
Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

Psalmus 23  :  Domini est terra

Psalm 23  :  Domini est terra

Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all the fulness thereof; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.

2  Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.

2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the rivers.

3  Quis ascéndet in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?

3  Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? * or who shall stand in his holy place?

4  Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.

4  Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor deceitfully sworn to his neighbour.

5  Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.

5  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his saviour.

6  Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.

6  This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

7  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

7  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.

8  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens: Dóminus potens in prǽlio.

8  Who is the King of glory? * It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.

9  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras,  et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

9  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.

10  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

10  Who is the King of glory? * Even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant.  Elevámini, portæ æternáles, et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

Ant.  Be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.

℣.  Tamquam sponsus.
℟.  Dóminus procédens de thálamo suo.

℣.  As a bridegroom.
℟.  The Lord cometh forth out of his chamber.

Pater noster (secreto usque ad ℣.) qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum.  Advéniat regnum tuum.  Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra.  Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie.  Et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris. 
℣.  Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.
℟.  Sed líbera nos a malo.

Our Father (which is said in secret as far as the ℣.)  which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done, In earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. 
℣.  And lead us not into temptation.
℟.  But deliver us from evil.

Absolutio
Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis: Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟.  Amen.

Absolution
Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end.
℟.  Amen.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 1
Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
℟.  Amen.

Benediction 1
May the Father Eternal bless us with an everlasting blessing.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson i

De Epístola ad Romános
Cap. 4 : 1-8

The Lesson is taken from
the Epistle to the Romans
Chap. 4 : 1-8

Quid ergo dicémus invenísse Abraham patrem nostrum secúndum carnem?  Si enim Abraham ex opéribus justificátus est, habet glóriam, sed non apud Deum.  Quid enim dicit Scriptúra?  Crédidit Abraham Deo: et reputátum est illi ad justítiam.  Ei autem, qui operátur, merces non imputátur secúndum grátiam, sed secúndum débitum.  Ei vero, qui non operátur, credénti autem in eum, qui justíficat ímpium, reputátur fides ejus ad justítiam secúndum propósitum grátiæ Dei.  Sicut et David dicit beatitúdinem hóminis, cui Deus accépto fert justítiam sine opéribus: Beáti, quorum remíssæ sunt iniquitátes, et quorum tecta sunt peccáta.  Beátus vir, cui non imputávit Dóminus peccátum.

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟.  Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi: ecce de quo dicébam vobis: Qui post me venit, ante me factus est: * Cujus non sum dignus corrígiam calceaménti sólvere.
℣.  Qui de terra est, de terra lóquitur: qui de cælo venit, super omnes est.
℟.  Cujus non sum dignus corrígiam calceaménti sólvere.

℟.  Behold the Lamb of God, behold him which taketh away the sins of the world; he it is, of whom I said unto you: he that cometh after me is preferred before me; *  The latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose.
℣.  He that is of the earth speaketh of the earth; he that cometh from heaven is above all.
℟.  The latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 2
Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
℟.  Amen.

Benediction 2
May the sole-begotten Son of God in his mercy bless and keep us.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson ii

Cap. 4 : 9-12

Chap. 4 : 9-12

Beatitúdo ergo hæc in circumcisióne tantum manet, an étiam in præpútio?  Dícimus enim quia reputáta est Abrahæ fides ad justítiam.  Quómodo ergo reputáta est? in circumcisióne, an in præpútio?  Non in circumcisióne, sed in præpútio.   Et signum accépit circumcisiónis, signáculum justítiæ fídei, quæ est in præpútio: ut sit pater ómnium credéntium per præpútium, ut reputétur et illis ad justítiam: et sit pater circumcisiónis non iis tantum, qui sunt ex circumcisióne, sed et iis, qui sectántur vestígia fídei, quæ est in præpútio patris nostri Abrahæ.

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟. Dies sanctificátus illúxit nobis: veníte, Gentes, et adoráte Dóminum: * Quia hódie descéndit lux magna in terris.
℣. Hæc dies quam fecit Dóminus, exsultémus et lætémur in ea.
℟.  Quia hódie descéndit lux magna in terris.

℟.  Holy is the day that is dawning for us: come, all ye nations, and worship the Lord: * For as on this day a great light hath descended upon the earth.
℣.  This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us rejoice and be glad therein.
℟.  For as on this day a great light hath descended upon the earth.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 3
Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
℟.  Amen.

Benediction 3
May the grace of the Holy Ghost all our heart and mind enlighten.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson iii

Cap. 4 : 13-17

Chap. 4 : 13-17

Non enim per legem promíssio Abrahæ, aut sémini ejus, ut heres esset mundi: sed per justítiam fídei.  Si enim qui ex lege, herédes sunt: exinaníta est fides, abólita est promíssio.  Lex enim iram operátur.  Ubi enim non est lex: nec prævaricátio.  Ideo ex fide, ut secúndum grátiam firma sit promíssio omni sémini, non ei, qui ex lege est solum, sed et ei, qui ex fide est Abrahæ, qui pater est ómnium nostrum (sicut scriptum est: Quia patrem multárum géntium pósui te) ante Deum, cui crédidit, qui vivíficat mórtuos, et vocat quæ non sunt, tamquam ea quæ sunt.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟.  Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini, Deus Dóminus, et illúxit nobis: * Allelúja, allelúja.
℣.  Hæc dies quam fecit Dóminus, exsultémus et lætémur in ea.
℟.  Allelúja, allelúja.
℣.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
℟.  Allelúja, allelúja.

℟.  Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord; God is the Lord, who hath shewed us light: * Alleluia, alleluia.
℣.  This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us rejoice and be glad therein.
℟.  Alleluia, alleluia.
℣.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
℟.  Alleluia, alleluia.

✠

Second Nocturn

✠

Ant.  Speciósus forma * præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.

Ant.  Thou art fairer * than the children of men: full of grace are thy lips.

Psalm 44 : Robert Cooke
Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

Psalmus 44  :  Eructavit cor meum

Psalm 44  :  Eructavit cor meum

Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego ópera mea Regi.

My heart is inditing of a good matter; * I speak of the things I have made unto the King.

2  Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.

2  My tongue is the pen * of a ready writer.

3  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

3  Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, * because God hath blessed thee for ever.

4  Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.

4  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou Most Mighty.

5  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

5  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty: * ride forth in prosperity, and reign.

6  Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.

6  Because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; * and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

7  Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corda inimicórum Regis.

7  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the midst among the King’s enemies.

8  Sedes tua, Deus, in sǽculum sǽculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.

8  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

9  Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.

9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

10  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.

10  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, * whereby they have made thee glad; Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women;

11  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.

11  Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, * wrought about with divers colours.

12  Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.

12  Hearken, O daughter, and consider; incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house.

13  Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.

13  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is thy Lord God, and worship thou him.

14  Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.

14  And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * like as the rich also among the people shall make their supplication before thee.

15  Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.

15  The King’s daughter is all glorious within; * her clothing is of wrought gold.

16  Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.

16  She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework: * the virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and shall be brought unto thee.

17  Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.

17  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * and shall enter into the King’s palace.

18  Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.

18  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou mayest make princes in all lands.

19  Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.

19  I will remember thy Name * from one generation to another;

20  Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sǽculum sǽculi.

20  Therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee, * world without end.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant.  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.

Ant.  Thou art fairer than the children of men: full of grace are thy lips.

Ant.  Homo natus est * in ea, et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus.

Ant.  This man was born * in her, and the Most High himself hath stablished her.

Psalm 86 : Jonathan Battishill
Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

Psalmus 86  :  Fundamenta ejus

Psalm 86  :  Fundamenta ejus

Fundaménta ejus in móntibus sanctis: * díligit Dóminus portas Sion super ómnia tabernácula Jacob.

Her foundations are upon the holy hills: * the Lord loveth the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

2  Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, * cívitas Dei.

2  Very excellent things are spoken of thee, * thou city of God.

3 Memor ero Rahab, et Babylónis * sciéntium me.

3  I will think upon Rahab and Babylon, * with them that know me.

4  Ecce alienígenæ, et Tyrus, et pópulus Æthíopum, * hi fuérunt illic.

4  Behold ye the Philistines also; and they of Tyre, with the Morians; * lo, in Sion were they born.

5  Numquid Sion dicet: Homo, et homo natus est in ea: * et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus?

5  Yea, of Sion it shall be reported, that each and every man was born in her: * and the Most High shall stablish her.

6  Dóminus narrábit in scriptúris populórum, et príncipum: * horum, qui fuérunt in ea.

6  The Lord shall report it, when he writeth up the peoples; * lo, in Sion were they born.

7  Sicut lætántium ómnium: * habitátio est in te.

7  The singers also and trumpeters shall make answer: * All my fresh springs are in thee.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant.  Homo natus est in ea, et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus.

Ant.  This man was born in her, and the Most High himself hath stablished her.

Ant.  Exsultábunt ómnia ligna * silvárum ante fáciem Dómini, quóniam venit.

Ant.  All the trees of the wood shall rejoice * before the Lord, for he cometh.

Psalm 95 : Gerard Hocken Knight
Massed Choirs of the Royal School of Church Music

Psalmus 95  :  Cantate Domino

Psalm 95  :  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * cantáte Dómino, omnis terra.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.

2 Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.

2  Sing unto the Lord, and praise his Name; * be telling of his salvation from day to day.

3  Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.

3  Declare his honour unto the heathen, * and his wonders unto all people.

4 Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.

4  For the Lord is great, and cannot worthily be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods.

5  Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.

5  As for all the gods of the heathen, they are but idols; * but it is the Lord that made the heavens.

6  Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.

6  Glory and worship are before him; * power and honour are in his sanctuary.

7  Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.

7  Ascribe unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, ascribe unto the Lord worship and power: * ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto his Name.

8  Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.

8  Bring presents, and come into his courts: * O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

9  Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.

9  Let the whole earth stand in awe of him: * tell it out among the heathen, that the Lord is King,

10  Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.

10  And that it is he who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved; * and how that he shall judge the people righteously.

11  Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.

11  Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is: * let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.

12  Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

12  Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh: * for he cometh to judge the earth;

13  Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

13  And with righteousness to judge the world, * and the people with his truth.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant.  Exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum ante fáciem Dómini, quóniam venit.

Ant.  All the trees of the wood shall rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh.

℣.  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum.
℟.  Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.

℣.  Thou art fairer than the children of men.
℟.  Full of grace are thy lips.

Pater noster (secreto usque ad ℣.) qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum.  Advéniat regnum tuum.  Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra.  Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie.  Et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris. 
℣.  Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.
℟.  Sed líbera nos a malo.

Our Father (which is said in secret as far as the ℣.)  which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done, In earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. 
℣.  And lead us not into temptation.
℟.  But deliver us from evil.

Absolutio
Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟.  Amen.

Absolution
May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end.
℟.  Amen.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 4
Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
℟.  Amen.

Benediction 4
May God the Father Almighty shew on us his grace and mercy.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson iv

 Sermo sancti Leónis Papæ

The Lesson is taken from a Sermon by St. Leo the Pope

 Sermo 7 de Nativitate Domini

Festivitátis hodiérnæ, dilectíssimi, verus venerátor est, et pius cultor, qui nec de Incarnatióne Dómini áliquid falsum, nec de Deitáte áliquid sentit indígnum.  Paris enim perículi malum est, si illi aut natúræ nostræ véritas, aut Patérnæ glóriæ negátur æquálitas.  Cum ergo ad intelligéndum sacraméntum nativitátis Christi, qua de Matre vírgine est ortus, accédimus, abigátur procul terrenárum calígo ratiónum, et ab illuminátæ fídei óculo mundánæ sapiéntiæ fumus abscédat.

Dearly beloved brethren, whosoever will keep this day’s festival with true reverence and due honour, must neither think falsely of the Lord’s Incarnation, nor meanly of the Godhead. For as there is danger of not realizing the truth of Christ’s humanity, so is there no less danger of failing to recognize his equality in glory with his Father. Wherefore, when we try to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s birth, wherein he was born of a Virgin Mother, we must soar above the clouds of earthly imagination, and with the eye of enlightened faith pierce through the fog of earthly wisdom.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟. Congratulámini mihi, omnes qui dilígitis Dóminum: * Quia, cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo, et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem.
℣.  Beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes, quia ancíllam húmilem respéxit Deus.
℟.  Quia, cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo, et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem.

℟.  Rejoice with me, all ye that love the Lord: * For while I was yet little I pleased the Most High, and from my womb have I brought forth God and man.
℣.  All generations shall call me blessed, for God hath regarded the lowliness of his hand-maiden.
℟.  For while I was yet little I pleased the Most High, and from my womb have I brought forth God and man.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 5
Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
℟.  Amen.

Benediction 5
May Christ to all his people give, for ever in his sight to live.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson v

Divína est enim auctóritas, cui crédimus: divína est doctrína, quam séquimur.  Quóniam sive legis testificatióni, sive oráculis prophetárum, sive evangélicæ tubæ interiórem admoveámus audítum; verum est, quod Joánnes plenus Spíritu Sancto intónuit: In princípio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum.  Hoc erat in princípio apud Deum.  Omnia per ipsum facta sunt, et sine ipso factum est nihil.  Et simíliter verum est, quod idem prædicátor adjécit: Verbum caro factum est et habitávit in nobis: et vídimus glóriam ejus, glóriam quasi Unigéniti a Patre.

The authority on which we believe is the authority of God himself; and the teaching which we follow is the very teaching of God himself. Therefore it is true, whether we lend an ear to the testimony of the Law, or to the sayings of the Prophets, or to the trumpet of the Gospel. This latter did John the Son of Thunder sound, when, filled with the Holy Ghost, he proclaimed: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; the Same was in the beginning with God; all things were made by him, and without him was not anything made. True also is the witness of John when he saith: The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the Only-Begotten of the Father.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟. Confirmátum est cor Vírginis, in quo divína mystéria, Angelo nuntiánte, concépit: tunc speciósum forma præ fíliis hóminum castis suscépit viscéribus: * Et benedícta in ætérnum, Deum nobis prótulit et hóminem.
℣. Domus pudíci péctoris templum repénte fit Dei: intácta nésciens virum, verbo concépit Fílium.
℟.  Et benedícta in ætérnum, Deum nobis prótulit et hóminem.

℟.  The Maiden’s heart was established in God, when the Angel declared unto her the mystery of God and she conceived: then did she receive in her pure womb him that is fairer than the children of men: * And she that is blessed for ever, brought forth for us God and man.
℣.  The mansion of the modest breast becometh a shrine where God shall rest: the pure and undefiled one within her womb conceived the Son.
℟.  And she that is blessed for ever, brought forth for us God and man.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 6
Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
℟.  Amen.

Benediction 6
May the Spirit’s fire divine in our inmost being shine.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson vi

In utráque ergo natúra idem est Dei Fílius, nostra suscípiens, et própria non amíttens: in hómine hóminem rénovans, in se incommutábilis persevérans.  Déitas enim, quæ illi cum Patre commúnis est, nullum detriméntum omnipoténtiæ súbiit, nec Dei formam servi forma violávit: quia summa et sempitérna esséntia, quæ se ad humáni géneris inclinávit salútem, nos quidem in suam glóriam tránstulit, sed quod erat, esse non déstitit.  Unde cum Unigénitus Dei minórem se Patre confitétur, cui se dicit æquálem, veritátem in se formæ utriúsque demónstrat: ut et humánam probet imparílitas, et divínam decláret æquálitas.

The Person of the Son of God therefore remaineth unchanged and one, though he hath two natures, keeping his own, and taking ours.  He cometh on earth as man to be the restorer of man, but abideth all the while in his unchangeable Godhead.  That Godhead which he shareth with the Father was not a whit the less almighty, nor did the form of a servant touch the form of God to derogate from it.  The Most High and Everlasting Being, bending down for man’s salvation, took the Manhood into his glory.  Yet he ceased not to be that which he is from everlasting.  Hence we see the only-begotten Son of God in one place confessing that the Father is greater than he, and in another declaring that he and the Father are One.  This is an evident proof of the distinction of his two natures, and the unity of his Person.  For he is inferior to the Father as touching his Manhood, and yet equal to the Father as touching his Godhead.  Albeit, though he be God and Man, he is not two, but One Christ.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟.  Benedícta et venerábilis es, Virgo María, quæ sine tactu pudóris invénta es Mater Salvatóris: * Jacébat in præsépio et fulgébat in cælo.
℣.  Dómine, audívi audítum tuum, et tímui: considerávi ópera tua, et expávi: in médio duórum animálium.
℟.  Jacébat in præsépio et fulgébat in cælo.
℣.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
℟.  Jacébat in præsépio et fulgébat in cælo.

℟.  Blessed and worshipful art thou, O Virgin Mary, from thee, still maiden undefiled, the Saviour came, a little Child: * He whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger.
℣.  O Lord, I have heard the report concerning thee and am afraid; I have considered thy wondrous works and am overcome with awe: O thou that dwellest between the two beasts.
℟.  He whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger.
℣.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
℟.  He whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger.

✠

Third Nocturn

✠

Ant.  In princípio, * et ante sǽcula Deus erat Verbum, et ipse natus est hódie Salvátor mundi.

Ant.  In the beginning, * yea, before time began, the Word was God, and the same is born, as at this time, to be the Saviour of the world.

Psalm 96 : Sir Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong 
Choir of Rochester Cathedral, Kent

Psalmus 96  :  Dominus regnavit

Psalm 96  :  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.

The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof.

2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.

2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.

3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.

3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.

4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.

4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and was afraid.

5   Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.

5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.

6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.

7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.

7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in vain gods.

8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.

8  Worship him, all ye gods: * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.

9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:

9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.

10   Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.

10  For thou, Lord, art higher than all that are in the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.

11   Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.

11  O ye that love the Lord, see that ye hate the thing which is evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.

12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.

12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joyful gladness for such as are true-hearted.

13   Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum.  Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end.  Amen.

Ant.    In princípio, et ante sǽcula Deus erat Verbum, et ipse natus est hódie Salvátor mundi.

Ant.    In the beginning, yea, before time began, the Word was God, and the same is born, as at this time, to be the Saviour of the world.

Ant.    Ante lucíferum génitus, * et ante sǽcula, Dóminus Salvátor noster hódie nasci dignátus est.

Ant.    Before the morning star begotten, * yea, before all ages; the Lord our Saviour as on this day did vouchsafe to be born.

Psalm 97 : John Randall 
Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

Psalmus 97  :  Cantate Domino

Psalm 97  :  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * quia mirabília fecit.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.

2  Salvávit sibi déxtera ejus: * et bráchium sanctum ejus.

2  With his own right hand and with his holy arm: * hath he gotten himself the victory.

3  Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit justítiam suam.

3  The Lord declared his salvation; * his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

4  Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.

4  He hath remembered his mercy, * and truth toward the house of Israel;

5  Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.

5  And all the ends of the world have seen * the salvation of our God.

6  Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite.

6  Shew yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands: * sing, rejoice, and give thanks.

7  Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.

7  Praise the Lord upon the harp, sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving: * with trumpets also and shawms.

8  Jubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini: * moveátur mare, et plenitúdo ejus: orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.

8  O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord, the King: * let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is; the round world, and they that dwell therein.

9  Flúmina plaudent manu, simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

9  Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; * for he is come to judge the earth.

10  Judicábit orbem terrárum in justítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.

10  With righteousness shall he judge the world, * and the people with equity.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum.  Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end.  Amen.

Ant.    Ante lucíferum génitus, et ante sǽcula, Dóminus Salvátor noster hódie nasci dignátus est.

Ant.    Before the morning star begotten, yea, before all ages; the Lord our Saviour as on this day did vouchsafe to be born.

Ant.    Nato Dómino, * Angelórum chorus canébat, dicens: Salus Deo nostro, sedénti super thronum, et Agno.

Ant.    When the Lord was born, * the choirs of Angels sang, saying: Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb.

Psalm 98 : Henry Stonex
Choir of Guildford Cathedral, Surrey

Psalmus 98  :  Dominus regnavit

Psalm 98  :  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, irascántur pópuli: * qui sedet super Chérubim, moveátur terra.

The Lord is King, be the people never so impatient; * he sitteth between the Cherubims, be the earth never so unquiet.

2  Dóminus in Sion magnus: * et excélsus super omnes pópulos.

2  The Lord is great in Sion, * and high above all people.

3  (fit reverentia) Confiteántur nómini tuo magno: quóniam terríbile, et sanctum est: * et honor regis judícium díligit.

3  (all bow) They shall give thanks unto thy Name, which is great, wonderful, and holy: * the King’s power loveth judgment;

4  Tu parásti directiónes: * judícium et justítiam in Jacob tu fecísti.

4  Thou hast prepared equity, * thou hast executed judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

5  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte scabéllum pedum ejus: * quóniam sanctum est.

5  O magnify the Lord our God, and fall down before his footstool; * for he is holy.

6  Móyses et Aaron in sacerdótibus ejus: * et Sámuel inter eos, qui ínvocant nomen ejus:

6  Moses and Aaron among his priests, * and Samuel among such as call upon his Name:

7  Invocábant Dóminum, et ipse exaudiébat eos: * in colúmna nubis loquebátur ad eos.

7  These called upon the Lord, and he heard them: * he spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar;

8  Custodiébant testimónia ejus: * et præcéptum quod dedit illis.

8  For they kept his testimonies, * and the law that he gave them.

9  Dómine, Deus noster, tu exaudiébas eos: * Deus, tu propítius fuísti eis, et ulcíscens in omnes adinventiónes eórum.

9  Thou heardest them, O Lord our God; * thou forgavest them, O God, and punishedst their own inventions.

10  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte in monte sancto ejus: * quóniam sanctus Dóminus Deus noster.

10  O magnify the Lord our God, and worship him upon his holy hill; * for the Lord our God is holy.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum.  Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end.  Amen.

Ant.    Nato Dómino, Angelórum chorus canébat, dicens: Salus Deo nostro, sedénti super thronum, et Agno.

Ant.    When the Lord was born, the choirs of Angels sang, saying: Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb.

℣.  Notum fecit Dóminus, allelúja.
℟.  Salutáre suum, allelúja.

℣.  The Lord hath declared, alleluia.
℟.  His salvation, alleluia.

Pater noster (secreto usque ad ℣.) qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum.  Advéniat regnum tuum.  Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra.  Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie.  Et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris. 
℣.  Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.
℟.  Sed líbera nos a malo.

Our Father (which is said in secret as far as the ℣.)  which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done, In earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. 
℣.  And lead us not into temptation.
℟.  But deliver us from evil.

Absolutio
A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
℟.  Amen.

Absolution
May the almighty and merciful Lord loose us from the bonds of our sins.
℟.  Amen.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 7
Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.
℟.  Amen.

Benediction 7
May the Gospel’s holy lection be our safeguard and protection.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson vii

Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam
 Cap. 2 : 21

The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Chap. 2 : 21

In illo témpore: Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur Puer: vocátum est nomen ejus Jesus.  Et réliqua.

At that time: When eight days were accomplished for the circumcision of the Child, his Name was called Jesus. And so on, and that which followeth.

 Homilía sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi

A Homily by St. Ambrose the Bishop

 Liber 2 in cap. 2 Lucæ, circa medium

Circumcíditur ítaque Puer.  Quis est iste puer, nisi ille, de quo dictum est: Puer natus est nobis, Fílius datus est nobis?  Factus est enim sub lege, ut eos, qui sub lege essent, lucrifáceret.  Ut sísterent eum Dómino.  Quid sit autem in Jerúsalem sisti Dómino, dícerem, nisi in Isaíæ comméntis ante dixíssem.  Circumcísus enim vítiis, Domínico dignus judicátur obtútu; quia, Oculi Dómini super justos.  Vides omnem legis véteris sériem fuísse typum futúri: nam et circumcísio purgatiónem signíficat delictórum.

So the Child is circumcised. This is the Child of whom it is said: Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: or again: Made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law: or again: To present him to the Lord. In my commentary on Isaiah I have already explained what is meant by being presented to the Lord in Jerusalem, and therefore I will not enter into the subject again. He that is circumcised in heart gaineth the protection of God, as it is written: The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous. Ye will see that as all the ceremonies of the Old Law were types of realities in the New Law, so the circumcision of the body signified the cleansing of the heart from the guilt of sin.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟.  Sancta et immaculáta virgínitas, quibus te láudibus éfferam, néscio: * Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti.
℣.  Benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui.
℟.  Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti

℟.  O blessed Maiden, so holy and spotless in thy virginity, I know not how to praise thy greatness; * For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.
℣.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
℟.  For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 8
Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.
℟.  Amen

Benediction 8
May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson viii

Sed quóniam prona quadam cupiditáte peccándi, humánæ carnis et mentis fragílitas inextricabílibus vítiis implicátur, eo per octávum circumcisiónis diem culpæ totíus futúra purgátio, resurrectiónis præfigurabátur ætáte.  Hoc est enim illud: Quia omne masculínum adapériens vulvam, sanctum Dómino vocábitur.  Verbis enim legis promittebátur Vírginis partus.  Et vere sanctus, quia immaculátus.  Dénique ipsum esse, qui lege signétur, in eúmdem modum ab Angelo repetíta verba declárant: Quod nascétur, inquit, Sanctum, vocábitur Fílius Dei.

But since the body and mind of man remain yet infected with a proneness to sin, the circumcision of the eighth day is meant to put us in mind of that complete cleansing from sin which we shall have at the resurrection. This is doubtless to be inferred from the words: Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy unto the Lord. That is, these words are literally true only of the delivery of the Blessed Virgin. Verily, he that opened her womb was holy, for he was altogether without spot. And we may gather that the Law hath this meaning because the Angel said almost the same words: That Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

℟.  Nésciens Mater Virgo virum, péperit sine dolóre: * Salvatórem sæculórum, ipsum Regem Angelórum, sola Virgo lactábat úbere de cælo pleno.
℣.  Domus pudíci péctoris templum repénte fit Dei: intácta nésciens virum, verbo concépit Fílium.
℟.  Salvatórem sæculórum, ipsum Regem Angelórum, sola Virgo lactábat úbere de cælo pleno.
℣.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
℟.  Salvatórem sæculórum, ipsum Regem Angelórum, sola Virgo lactábat úbere de cælo pleno.

℟.  The Virgin Mother, knowing no man, brought forth, without travail, the world’s Redeemer; * And he, the King of the Angels, received nourishment from a heaven-filled virginal bosom.
℣.  The mansion of the modest breast becometh a shrine where God shall rest: the pure and undefiled one within her womb conceived the Son.
℟.  And he, the King of the Angels, received nourishment from a heaven-filled virginal bosom.
℣.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
℟.  And he, the King of the Angels, received nourishment from a heaven-filled virginal bosom.

Jube Dómine benedícere.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy blessing.

Benedictio 9
Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
℟.  Amen

Benediction 9
May he that is the Angels’ King to that high realm his people bring.
℟.  Amen.

Lesson ix

Solus enim per ómnia ex natis de fémina sanctus Dóminus Jesus, qui terrénæ contágia corruptélæ, immaculáti partus novitáte non sénserit, et cælésti majestáte depúlerit.  Nam si lítteram sequámur: quómodo sanctus omnis másculus, cum multos sceleratíssimos fuísse non láteat?  Numquid sanctus Achab? numquid sancti pseudoprophétæ, quos ad Elíæ preces ultor cæléstis injúriæ ignis absúmpsit?  Sed ille sanctus, quem in figúra futúri mystérii pia legis divínæ præscrípta signábant; eo quod solus sanctæ Ecclésiæ vírginis ad generándos pópulos Dei, immaculátæ fœcunditátis aperíret genitále secrétum.

Among all them that are born of women the Lord Jesus Christ stood alone in holiness. He alone, because of this immaculate birth, felt no contagion from human corruption; it came not near him because of his heavenly majesty. Otherwise (that is, if we are to apply this passage of the Law literally) we are obliged to say that without exception every male that openeth the womb is holy; and how then shall we explain that so many were unrighteous? Was Ahab holy? Were the false prophets holy? Were they holy on whom Elijah justly called down fire from heaven? But he to whom the sacred commandment of the Law of God is mystically directed is the Holy One of Israel. And he alone hath opened the secret womb of his holy virgin-bride the Church, filling her with a sinless fruitfulness whereby to bring forth the People of God.

℣.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

✠

The Ambrosian Hymn

✠

Te Deum (St. George’s, Windsor Service) : Herbert Howells
Choir of Wells Cathedral, Somerset

Te Deum laudámus: * te Dóminum confitémur.

We praise thee, O God, * we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.

Te ætérnum Patrem * omnis terra venerátur.

All the earth doth worship thee, * the Father everlasting.

Tibi omnes Angeli, * tibi Cæli, et univérsæ Potestátes:

To thee all Angels cry aloud, * the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.

Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim * incessábili voce proclámant:

To thee Cherubim and Seraphim * continually do cry.

During the following Tersanctus all make a profound reverence.

Sanctus,
Sanctus,
Sanctus * Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.

Holy,
Holy,
Holy, * Lord God of Sabaoth;

Pleni sunt cæli et terra * majestátis glóriæ tuæ.

Heaven and earth are full * of the Majesty of thy glory.

Te gloriósus * Apostolórum chorus,

The glorious company of the Apostles * praise thee.

Te Prophetárum * laudábilis númerus,

The goodly fellowship of the Prophets * praise thee.

Te Mártyrum candidátus * laudat exércitus.

The noble army of Martyrs * praise thee.

Te per orbem terrárum * sancta confitétur Ecclésia,

The holy Church throughout all the world * doth acknowledge thee;

Patrem * imménsæ majestátis;

The Father, * of an infinite Majesty.

Venerándum tuum verum * et únicum Fílium;

Thine honourable, true, * and only Son;

Sanctum quoque * Paráclitum Spíritum.

Also the Holy Ghost, * the Comforter.

Tu Rex glóriæ, * Christe.

Thou art the King of Glory, * O Christ.

Tu Patris * sempitérnus es Fílius.

Thou art the everlasting * Son of the Father.

(fit reverentia) Tu, ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem: * non horruísti Vírginis úterum.

(all bow) When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, * thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb.

Tu, devícto mortis acúleo, * aperuísti credéntibus regna cælórum.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, * thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.

Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, * in glória Patris.

Thou sittest at the right hand of God, * in the glory of the Father.

Judex créderis * esse ventúrus.

We believe that thou shalt come * to be our Judge.

During the following Verse all genuflect.

Te ergo quǽsumus, tuis fámulis súbveni, * quos pretióso sánguine redemísti.

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, * whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious Blood.

Ætérna fac cum Sanctis tuis * in glória numerári.

Make them to be numbered with thy Saints, * in glory everlasting.

Salvum fac pópulum tuum, Dómine, * et bénedic hereditáti tuæ.

O Lord, save thy people, * and bless thine heritage.

Et rege eos, * et extólle illos usque in ætérnum.

Govern them, * and lift them up for ever.

Per síngulos dies * benedícimus te.

Day by day * we magnify thee;

(fit reverentia) Et laudámus nomen tuum in sǽculum, * et in sǽculum sǽculi.

(all bow) And we worship thy Name * ever, world without end.

Dignáre, Dómine, die isto * sine peccáto nos custodíre.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us * this day without sin.

Miserére nostri, Dómine, * miserére nostri.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, * have mercy upon us.

Fiat misericórdia tua, Dómine, super nos, * quemádmodum sperávimus in te.

O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, * as our trust is in thee.

In te, Dómine, sperávi: * non confúndar in ætérnum.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted, * let me never be confounded.

After the Te Deum, Lauds normally follows immediately, beginning with the Opening Versicles.  However, in the private recitation of the Office, Matins may be separated from Lauds, in which case, after the Te Deum the Office is concluded as follows:

Lauds

℣.  Dóminus vobíscum.
℟.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

℣.  The Lord be with you.
℟.  And with thy spirit.

Orémus.
Deus, qui salútis ætérnæ, beátæ Maríæ virginitáte fœcúnda, humáno géneri prǽmia præstitísti: tríbue, quǽsumus; ut ipsam pro nobis intercédere sentiámus, per quam merúimus auctórem vitæ suscípere, Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟.  Amen.

Let us pray.
O God, who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon all mankind the rewards of everlasting life: grant, we beseech thee; that we may know the succour of her intercession, through whom we have been found worthy to receive the Author of life, even Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
℟.  Amen.

℣.  Dóminus vobíscum.
℟.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

℣.  The Lord be with you.
℟.  And with thy spirit.

℣.  Benedicámus Dómino.
℟.  Deo grátias.

℣.  Bless we the Lord.
℟.  Thanks be to God.

Fidélium ánimæ ✠ per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.
℟.  Amen.

May the souls ✠ of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟.  Amen.

Then is said secretly the final Pater.

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum.  Advéniat regnum tuum.  Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra.  Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie.  Et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris.  Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem: sed líbera nos a malo.  Amen.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, In earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

JANUARY 1