The second day after Christmas has traditionally provided an occasion for Western Christians for reflecting on the Apostle John. Below is the Collect included for that purpose in the Order of Worship for the Reformed Church in the United States.
The editors comment that December 27 is used for this purpose “because [John] was the bosom friend of Jesus, and has most fully unfolded the mystery of the Word made flesh for our salvation” (41).
The prayer asks that God would enlighten the church with the teaching and understanding of John, so that God’s people may finally arrive at the Beatific Vision.
The Collect
SHINE graciously upon thy Church, we beseech Thee, O Lord; that being enlightened by the doctrine and filled with the mind of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist, Saint John, whom Jesus loved, it may come at last into thy beatific presence and enjoy the rewards of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
