Open Word

FIRST READING

Genesis 25:19-28

Verse 19. This is the account of Abraham’s son Isaac. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Verse 20. and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean. Verse 21. Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. Verse 22. But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD, Verse 23. and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Verse 24. When her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb. Verse 25. The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau. Verse 26. After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born. Verse 27. When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. Verse 28. Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.

PSALM

Psalm 113

Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.

Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore.

From where the sun rises to where it sets, the name of the LORD is praised.

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens.

Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?

He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump

to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people.

He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

Colossians 1:15-20

Verse 15. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Verse 16. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. Verse 17. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Verse 18. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. Verse 19. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, Verse 20. and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.