Wednesday in Christmas

FIRST READING

Proverbs 9:1-12

Verse 1. Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. Verse 2. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. Verse 3. She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. Verse 4. “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. Verse 5. “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. Verse 6. Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” Verse 7. He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Verse 8. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Verse 9. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. Verse 10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Verse 11. For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. Verse 12. If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.

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

2 Peter 3:8-13

Verse 8. Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. Verse 9. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. Verse 10. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Verse 11. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness Verse 12. as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. Verse 13. But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.