O Lord Christ, who wast born in the bleak mid-winter, and yet was the Light of the world: shine thy love upon us even as the mid-summer sun shone upon the birth of thy cousin blessed John Baptist; and enkindle faith in our hearts, that we may join him in preparing thy way, even as the bonfires of the night dispel the darkness of the world in anticipation of the coming day; and this we ask for thy love’s sake. Amen.