Ignition

First Sunday after Christmas Day

This Sunday takes precedence over the three Holy Days which follow Christmas Day. As necessary, the observance of one, two, or all three of them, is postponed one day.

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of
your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our
hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

So, what are those three Holy Days? Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr, December 26. Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, December 27. The Holy Innocents, December 28. In my experience, observation of Holy Days is pretty much limited to Anglo-Catholic parishes anyway.

This collect is in classical three-part format. Address to God (ending in a colon). Single petition. Close in the Name of the Trinity. The petition, “Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives” passes the action responsibility to God (i.e., grant that). Rather than waiting for God to grant, better to pray that God inspire each of us to do whatever is required to make the light shine forth in our lives. The collect needs to light a fire under each of us.

The collect’s source is the 8th century Gregorian sacramentary according to Hachett. He says the original reads, “Grant that the light which through faith shines in the heart may shine forth in our works.” Either way, it’s more lovely than igniting. This collect isn't going to blast anybody off.

TW+