JANUARY 7 2026

Leader: O Lord, open my lips. All: And my mouth shall declare your praise.
Christ has appeared to us; come, let us adore him.

Psalm 77:17-21

The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and trembled;
the depths were moved with terror.
The clouds poured down rain,
the skies sent forth their voice;
your arrows flashed to and fro.

Your thunder rolled round the sky,
your flashes lighted up the world.
The earth was moved and trembled
when your way led through the sea,
your path through the mighty waters
and no one saw your footprints.

You guided your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Reading: From a Sermon by St. Proclus of Constantinople:

Come then and see new and astounding miracles: the Sun of righteousness washing in the Jordan, fire immersed in water, God sanctified by the ministry of man.

Today every creature shouts in resounding song: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is he who comes in every age, for this is not his first coming.

And who is he? Tell us more clearly, I beg you, blessed David: The Lord is God and has shone upon us. David is not alone in prophesying this; the apostle Paul adds his own witness, saying: The grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all men, and instructing us. Not for some men, but for all. To Jews and Greeks alike God bestows salvation through baptism, offering baptism as a common grace for all.

Come, consider this new and wonderful deluge, greater and more important than the flood of Noah’s day. Then the water of the flood destroyed the human race, but now the water of baptism has recalled the dead to life by the power of the one who was baptized. In the days of the flood the dove with an olive branch in its beak foreshadowed the fragrance of the good odor of Christ the Lord; now the Holy Spirit, coming in the likeness of a dove, reveals the Lord of mercy.

Pray either the Canticle of Zechariah or the Canticle of Mary. You can find them here.
Antiphon for the Canticle of Zechariah:     We have seen his star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.
Antiphon for the Canticle of Mary:     We saw a brilliant star in the heavens; its splendor filled the world.

Intercessions

Heal and strengthen those who are ill.
Christ, our Light, hear us!
Be strength for all who are dwelling in darkness.
Christ, our Light, hear us!
Renew in us the simplicity of little children.
Christ, our Light, hear us!

Dear Father,
Fill us with your radiance and lasting peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son who lives with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.