Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) 2 Kings 24:8-17, 25:8-11 8 Jehoiachin was 18 years old when he became king, and he ruled for three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta; she was Elnathan’s daughter and was from Jerusalem. 9 He did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes, just as all his ancestors had done. 10 At that time,…
Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 15 The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. 16 John replied to them all, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will…
Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) Matthew 2:1-15 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.” 3 When King…
Readings from the Scriptures (CEB) Luke 1: 46-57 21 When eight days had passed, Jesus’ parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived. 22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up…
The Story – Jeremiah 23:5-6 5 The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendantfrom David’s line, and he will rule as a wise king. He will do what is just and right in the land. 6 During his lifetime, Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And his name…
Luke 2:1-7 In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. 2 This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. 3 Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. 4 Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s…
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…