GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that we may be assisted by
the merits of the spouse of thy most holy Mother: and vouchsafe
to give us at his intercession; those things which by our own
power we cannot obtain. Who livest and reignest with the Father.
For the Epistle. Ecclesiasticus 45:1
He was beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed. The
Lord made him like to the glorious Saints, and magnified him,
so that his enemies stood in fear of him. By his words he caused
the wonders to cease: he made him glorious in the sight of kings,
and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him his
glory. He sanctified him in his faithfulness and meekness, and
chose him out of all ,men. He made him to hear his voice, and
brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before
his face, even the law of life and knowledge.
The Gospel. St. Matthew i. 18.
THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother
Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was
found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband,
being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example,
was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these
things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a
dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto
thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of
the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt
call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their
sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin
shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall
call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with
us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the
Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her
not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called
his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins.