Scripture Reading (CEB) Luke 1:5-23 5 During the rule of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. 6 They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no children because…
1st Lesson The prophet proclaims good news to a people in exile Isaiah 40:1-8 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to herthat she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries out:‘In the wilderness prepare the way…
Reading from W.H. Auden’s For the Time Being THE FIRST SHEPHERDThe winter night requires our constant attention,Watching that water and goodwill,Warmth and well-being, may still be there in the morning. THE SECOND SHEPHERDFor behind the spontaneous joy of lifeThere is always a mechanism to keep going, THE THIRD SHEPHERDAnd someone like us is always there.…
Scripture Reading (First Nations Version) Matthew 1:1, 16-25 1Here is the record of the ancestry of Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One, a descendant of Much Loved One (David) and of Father of Many Nations (Abraham)… 16Heel Grabber (Jacob), and He Gives Sons (Joseph), who was the husband of Bitter Tears (Mary), who gave…
Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) Matthew 1:1, 16-20a 1 A record of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham: 16 Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary—of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Christ. 17 So there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen generations from David to…
Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) Luke 1: 46-57 46 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! 47 In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. 48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored 49…
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5 1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to herthat she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries out:“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our…
Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) Luke 1: 39-45; 57-65 39 Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. 40 She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you…
1st Lesson The prophet proclaims good news to a people in exile (Isaiah 40:1-8) Comfort, comfort my people! says your God.Speak compassionately to Jerusalem,and proclaim to her that her compulsory service has ended, that her penalty has been paid,that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins! A voice is crying…
Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) Luke 1:5-24a 5 During the rule of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. 6 They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no…