Saint Stephen  December 26

We give the thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the
first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed 
for his persecutors to thy Son Jesus Christ, who standeth at 
thy right hand; where he liveth and reigneth with thee and 
the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.  Amen.

*Preface of the Incarnation*


Saint John  December 27

Shed upon thy Church, we beseech thee, O Lord, the 
brightness of thy light, that we, being illumined by the 
teaching of thine apostle and evangelist John, may so walk 
in the light of thy truth, that at length we may attain to the 
fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one 
God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

*Preface of the Incarnation*


The Holy Innocents  *December 28*

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy 
innocents of Bethlehem by the order of King Herod.  Receive, 
we beseech thee, into the arms of thy mercy all innocent 
victims; and by thy great might frustrate the designs of evil 
tyrants and establish thy rule of justice, love, and peace; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with 
thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,, one God, for ever and 
ever.  Amen.

*Preface of the Incarnation*