Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 7:10-16

Verse 10. Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Verse 11. “Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” Verse 12. But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” Verse 13. Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? Verse 14. Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel. Verse 15. By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey. Verse 16. For before the boy knows enough to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

PSALM

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth

before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally Your mighty power and come to save us.

Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.

O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people?

You fed them with the bread of tears and made them drink the full measure of their tears.

You make us contend with our neighbors; our enemies mock us.

Restore us, O God of Hosts, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, on the son of man You have raised up for Yourself.

Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name.

Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.

SECOND READING

Romans 1:1-7

Verse 1. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— Verse 2. the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, Verse 3. regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, Verse 4. and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Verse 5. Through Him and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all those among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. Verse 6. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Verse 7. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

GOSPEL

Matthew 1:18-25

Verse 18. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Verse 19. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. Verse 20. But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Verse 21. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Verse 22. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Verse 23. “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” ( which means, “God with us” ). Verse 24. When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and embraced Mary as his wife. Verse 25. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.