First Sunday after Christmas Day

FIRST READING

Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

PSALM

Psalm 148

Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the highest places.

Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.

Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.

Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created.

He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,

mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth,

young men and maidens, old and young together.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

Galatians 4:4-7

Verse 4. But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Verse 5. to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. Verse 6. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Verse 7. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

GOSPEL

Luke 2:22-40

Verse 22. And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord Verse 23. (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord” ), Verse 24. and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Verse 25. Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Verse 26. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Verse 27. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, Verse 28. Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: Verse 29. “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. Verse 30. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Verse 31. which You have prepared in the sight of all people, Verse 32. a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” Verse 33. The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him. Verse 34. Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, Verse 35. so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your soul as well.” Verse 36. There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, Verse 37. and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Verse 38. Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Verse 39. When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Verse 40. And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.