December 20th 2006: The dead of winter

It's been a day of hard frosts, and as I type it is getting dark and a thick fog is settling in for the night. Tomorrow is the winter solstice. The shortest day.

I thought I'd read the Evensong from my Book of Common Prayer. I like the way it feels deep and resonant, preparing me for the night and helping me know God's presence before I sleep.

O Lord open thou our lips.

And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

* * * * *

And the Nunc Dimittis:

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people:

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

* * * * *

Then the collect:

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

* * * * *

And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore.

Amen