O King of Nations
December 22
ANTIPHON
O King of the Nations, the Ruler they long for, the Cornerstone uniting all people: Come and save mankind whom You formed out of clay.
READING
From Isaiah chapter 28, Psalm 118, and Ephesians chapter 2:
Therefore, thus says the Lord God: See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.
COLLECT
O Prince of Peace, and Desire of the nations, in you all things have been reconciled in heaven and on earth. Through the clay of your incarnation you have fashioned a new humanity. Breathe your Spirit into all people and quicken in us the bond of peace that comes in knowing you. Amen
HYMN
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
