Nativity of the Lord - Proper I

2Verse 2. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. 3Verse 3. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people rejoice before You as they rejoice at harvest time, as men rejoice in dividing the plunder. 4Verse 4. For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. 5Verse 5. For every trampling boot of battle and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6Verse 6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Verse 7. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

11Verse 11. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. 12Verse 12. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13Verse 13. as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. 14Verse 14. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

1Verse 1. Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. 2Verse 2. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3Verse 3. And everyone went to his own town to register. 4Verse 4. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. 5Verse 5. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. 6Verse 6. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. 7Verse 7. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8Verse 8. And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9Verse 9. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10Verse 10. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11Verse 11. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! 12Verse 12. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13Verse 13. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 14Verse 14. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”