I recently mentioned the Order of Worship for the Reformed Church in the United States, published in 1866. I’m going to try to remember to post throughout the year the Collects it gives for each week. In this post is the final one for the “old year” before the cycle starts over next week.
It is a prayer about creation and new creation, and a reminder about the Final Judgment that comes between the two. As Advent looks forward to the Second Coming of Christ even as we remember his first coming in the Incarnation, with this prayer the believer asks God to make him such as is appropriate for one who, in the interim between the First and Second Advents, awaits appearing of Christ and the fruition of the renewed world.
The Collect for the Sunday before Advent
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, by whose word the heavens and the earth, which are now, are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men; make us, we beseech Thee, to be such manner of persons in all holy conversation and godliness, as they ought to be who look for such things; that when this frame of nature shall be dissolved, we may be counted worthy to behold and enjoy, according to thy promise, the new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness; through the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.