virtual vespers

an online prayer experience

The holiday season is very busy indeed. The Diocese of Joliet Young

Adult Ministry Office annually hosts an Advent/Christmas Vespers service;

however, we realize that not everyone could make it this year.

So here is a virtual vespers experience for those who could not come,

and for those who wish to relive that quiet moment one more time.

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Advent-Christmas

Candlelight Vespers

As you begin the experience, calm yourself for prayer.

As you are able, silence the distractions around you.

You may experience this individually or with others.

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

Jesus Christ is the Sun of Justice! 

Come let us adore him!

God, come to my assistance.

(+) Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.

Amen. Alleluia.

Light and peace in Jesus Christ.

May we remember Christ is our Light.

OPENING SONG:

"Christ Be Our Light" by Bernadette Farrell

(1993, Published by OCP Publications)

PSALMODY

We pause now to praise and thank God with the Psalms.

Click here for the Psalm and Psalm Prayer.

LESSONS & CAROLS

We live in a word filled with stress, anxiety, fear, war, and polarization.

Each day we hear a constant battle noise of pressure, anger, and frustration.

There is where we come from this day.  This is world outside these walls.

On these, the darkest nights of the year, we have gather together

Outside these walls exists a darkness of conflict, hatred, and aggression.

As we begin, let us recall the darkness we now leave behind us.

FIRST READINGS: THE PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH

Click here for the text of the first readings.

SUNG RESPONSE:

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" / Traditional Carol

(15th Cent. French, adapted by Thomas Helmore)

SECOND READINGS: THE PEACE OF MICAH & FRANCIS

Click here for the text of the second readings.

SUNG RESPONSE:

"O Little Town of Bethlehem" / Traditional Carol

(Text: Phillips Brooks; Music: Lewis H. Redner)

THIRD READINGS:  THE PEACE OF ST. PAUL & JOHN XXIII

Click here for the text of the third readings.

SUNG RESPONSE:

"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" / Traditional Carol

(Text: Edmund H. Sears; Music: Richard S. Willis)

A GUIDED MEDITATION: THE 1914 CHRISTMAS TRUCE

Click for the text of the guided meditation.

REFLECTIVE RESPONSE:

Click here for a reflection on the readings,

written by Paul Jarzembowski

RESPONSORY

Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.

Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.

Let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved.

Lord God of power and might.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit:

Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of Eternal Life, Sun of Justice.

(+) Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and shadow.

THE MAGNIFICAT (Luke 1:46-55)

Click here for the text of the Magnificat.

Alt. Canticle Hymn: "Holy Is Your Name" by David Haas

(Wilde Mountain Thyme, 1989, Published by GIA Publications)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of Eternal Life, Sun of Justice:

Come, shine of those who dwell in darkness and shadow.

INTERCESSORY RITES

We now pause to bring our prayers before God.

Click here for the text of the intercessions.

(feel free to also include your own personal intentions)

With longing for the coming of God's kingdom,

let us offer our prayer to the Father:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name;

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING RITES

Lord, hear the prayers of your people.

Help us to prepare for the coming of Christ your Son

through action towards and contemplation of your holy peace

May we who will soon celebrate the birth of your Son as man

rejoice in the gift of eternal life when he comes in glory.

For he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God forever and ever. Amen.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil

and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

CLOSING HYMN: "People Look East" by Eleanor Farjeon

(1957, Published by Harold Ober Association, Inc.)

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A NOTE REGARDING MUSIC

All music is copyright protected.  However, for personal use, you can

find many of these hymns online or in the hymnal at your local church.

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The structure and flow of this prayer service is copywritten

by the Diocese of Joliet Young Adult Ministry Office.

The traditional evening prayer texts are taken from

The Divine Office: English Translation

For more information about this service, please contact

Paul Jarzembowski at the Diocese of Joliet Young Adult

Ministry Office at 815-834-4047 or email him here.