Readings for the rest of Advent and Christmas

Hello Everyone,

This will be my last email on the Lectionary Readings until January 5th. I will be on vacation next week, back on the following week to celebrate Christmas and then on vacation again the week after. Therefore, this will be a simple listing of the readings for each week and maybe a short sentence or title about each.

Sunday, December 13
Zephaniah 3:14-20 – After much doom and gloom, “A Song of Joy”.
Isaiah 12:2-6 – Thanksgiving and Praise for God’s salvation.
Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord; again, I will say “"Rejoice”
Luke 3:7-18 – John the Baptist tells the people about how to live right.

Sunday, December 20
Micah 5:2-5a – The new ruler will come from the lowly town of Bethlehem and will be the one of peace.
Luke 1:46-55 – While visiting Elizabeth, Mary sings a song.
OR Psalm 80:1-7 – The first half of a pray for the restoration of Israel.
Hebrews 10:5-10 – We have been sanctified through Christ’s offering of his body on the cross.
Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) – Mary visits Elizabeth (and sings a quite subversive song).

Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7 – The people have seen a great light and a child has been born, the Prince of Peace.
Psalm 96 – A song in Praise of God who comes in judgment.
Titus 2:11-14 – God’s grace has appeared bringing salvation to everyone.
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) – Jesus is born in Bethlehem (and the shepherds come for a visit).

Friday, December 25, Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7-10 – A messenger brings the news of peace and salvation. All the earth will see God’s salvation.
Psalm 98 – A song of praise for the Judge of Creation.
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) – God has spoken to us through God’s Son (who is superior to the angels).
John 1:1-14 – In the beginning was the Word and the Word dwelt among us full of grace and truth.

Sunday, December 27
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 – Samuel works for Eli at the tabernacle and grows in stature and favor with God.
Psalm 148 – A song praising God for God’s Universal Glory.
Colossians 3:12-17 – As God’s children we should, above all else, clothe ourselves in Love.
Luke 2:41-52 – The 12 year old Jesus visits the Temple with Mom and Dad.

Thursday, December 31, Watch Night
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 – For everything there is a season and a time. “It is God’s gift that all should eat, drink, and take pleasure in their toil.”
Psalm 8 – A song celebrating God’s Majesty and how God cares for humanity.
Revelation 21:1-6a – The Revelation of Jesus to John.
Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of “The Judgment of the Nations”. What have you done for the least?

Sunday, January 3, 2017
Jeremiah 31:7-14 – In praise of God who will bring back all of scattered Israel to the land.
OR Sirach 24:1-12 – “The Praise of Wisdom”
Psalm 147:12-20 – A song praising God for God’s care of Jerusalem.
OR Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 – The personified Wisdom leads the Israelites out of Egypt.
Ephesians 1:3-14 – “Spiritual Blessings in Christ” and there are many.
John 1: (1-9) 10-18 – In the beginning was the Word and the Word dwelt among us full of grace and truth.

Whew! Lots to chew on over the next month.

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary Taylor