December 20

O Flower of Jesse's stem,
you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;
rulers stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.


HAIL, O greenest branch,
sprung forth in the airy breezes
of the prayers of the saints.
So the time has come
that your sprays have flourished:
hail, hail to you,
because the heat of the sun has exuded from you
like the aroma of balm.

For the beautifu I flower sprang from you
which gave all parched perfumes their aroma.

And they have radiated anew
in their full freshness.

Whence the skies bestowed dew upon the pasture,
and all the earth was made joyful
because her womb
brought forth corn
and because the birds of the firmament
built their nests in her.

Then there was a harvest ready for humankind
and a great rejoicing of banqueters,
whence, 0 sweet Virgin,
no joy is lacking in you.--Hildegard of Bingen


REGARDING the eucharist, give thanks as follows:
First, concerning the cup:
"We give you thanks, our Father,
for the holy vine of David your servant,
which you have made known to us
through Jesus, your servant.
To you be glory for evermore."

Next, concerning the broken bread:
"We give you thanks, our Father,
for the life and knowledge
which you have made known to us
through Jesus, your servant.
To you be glory for evermore.
As this broken bread was scattered over the hills
and then, when gathered, became one,
so may the church be gathered
from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
For yours is the glory and the power
through Jesus Christ for evermore." --The Didache