Friday in Advent — Open Word

FIRST READING

2 Samuel 6:12-19

Verse 12. Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing. Verse 13. When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. Verse 14. And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, Verse 15. while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn. Verse 16. As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. Verse 17. So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. Verse 18. When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts. Verse 19. Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. And all the people departed, each to his own home.

PSALM

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the loving devotion of the LORD forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations.

For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.”

You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant:

‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’”

You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people.

I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.

My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him.

No enemy will exact tribute; no wicked man will oppress him.

I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.

My faithfulness and loving devotion will be with him, and through My name his horn will be exalted.

I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand upon the rivers.

He will call to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock of my salvation.’

SECOND READING

Hebrews 1:5-14

Verse 5. For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father” ? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son” ? Verse 6. And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.” Verse 7. Now about the angels He says: “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire.” Verse 8. But about the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. Verse 9. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of joy.” Verse 10. And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. Verse 11. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Verse 12. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” Verse 13. Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” ? Verse 14. Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?