Open Word

FIRST READING

Malachi 2:10-3:1

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

PSALM

Psalm 27

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?

When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me.

My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek.

Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.

Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

SECOND READING

Luke 1:5-17

Verse 5. In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. Verse 6. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. Verse 7. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. Verse 8. One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, Verse 9. he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Verse 10. And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside. Verse 11. Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. Verse 12. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. Verse 13. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. Verse 14. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, Verse 15. for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. Verse 16. Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God. Verse 17. And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”