G. Candlemass, Blessing and Procession

God our Father, on this night (day) Your Son Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary for us and for our salvation. Bless this crib, which we have prepared to celebrate that holy birth; may all who see it be strengthened in faith and receive the fullness of life He came to bring, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. A Amen.

In the faith of Christ, and in Your name, O God most holy, we hallow this crib of Christmas, to set before the eyes of Your children the great love and humility of Jesus Christ Your Only Son; who for us, and for our salvation, came down as at this time from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary His mother, and was made man; to whom with You and the same Spirit be all honour, majesty, glory, and worship, now and to the ages of ages. A Amen.

May the grace of Christ our Saviour be with us all. A Amen.

G G. CANDLEMASS, BLESSING AND PROCESSION

A hymn may be sung while the candles are lit. The people stand

President: Lord God, the springing source of everlasting light, pour into the hearts of Your faithful people the brilliance of Your eternal splendor, that we, who by these kindling flames light up this temple to Your glory, may have the darkness of our souls dispelled, and so be counted worthy to stand before You in that eternal temple where You live and reign, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

The ministers and people go in procession to the font, or to the door of

the church, or to another suitable place. As they process the Nunc Dimittis is sung in one of these forms, or in another suitable version.

A light to lighten the nations a and the glory of Your people Israel.

Now, Lord, You let Your servant go in peace: Your word has been fulfilled. A light to lighten the nations and the glory of Your people Israel.

My own eyes have seen the salvation: which You have prepared in the sight of every people.

A light to lighten the nations a and the glory of Your people Israel.

A light to reveal You to the nations and the glory of Your people Israel.

A light to lighten the nations a and the glory of Your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen.

A light to lighten the nations a and the glory of Your people Israel. or 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 nations and to be the glory of Thy people Israel.

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.

Final Responsory

President: Father, here we bring to an end our celebration of the Saviour’s birth. H Help us, in whom He has been born, to live His life that has no end.

Here we have offered the Church’s sacrifice of praise. Help us, who have received the Bread of Life, to be thankful for Your gift.

Here we have rejoiced with faithful Simeon and Anna. H Help us, who have found the Lord in His temple, to trust in Your eternal promises.

Here we have greeted the Light of the world. Help us, who now extinguish these candles, never to forsake the Light of Christ.

All now extinguish their candles.

Here we now stand near the place of baptism. H Help us, who are marked with the cross, to share the Lord’ s death and resurrection.

Here we turn from Christ’s birth to His passion. H Help us, for whom Lent is near, To enter deeply into the