Almighty God who sent John the Baptist as witness to the light, teach us to repent sincerely, and speak the truth constantly. Help us never to be silent in the presence of injustice and impurity and enable us to rebuke in love. Give us courage to suffer and to decrease so that your reign may increase; so grant that living in faithfulness we may be true servants of our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you together with the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen