Scriptures for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Collect

Christmas Eve:

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true 
Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also
enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

- - -

Christmas Day:

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus
Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence
behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the 
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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How to use this page:

Print this and read a different passage each day and think about it.  Some questions
are offered to help stimulate your reflection.  You'll find your experience of worship
on Sunday will be intensified.

For a method to read and pray with the scriptures you might try to use the ancient
practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading).  We've written some instructions on 
how to use Lectio with the Sunday Scriptures at the following link: 
www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html

We use the Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary.
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The Lessons

Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Titus 3:4-7
Luke 2:1-20  King James Version
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Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."

Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.

Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.

The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.

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What good news do you need to hear today?

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Psalm 98

Sing a new song to God, *
   who has done marvelous things.

With your right hand, O God, and your holy arm, *
   you have won for yourself the victory.

You have made known your victory; *
   your righteousness have you openly shown in the sight of the nations.

You remember your mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *
   and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout with joy to God, all you lands; *
   lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

Sing to God with the harp, *
   with the harp and the voice of song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn, *
   shout with joy before God who reigns in majesty.

Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
   the lands and those who dwell therein.

Let the rivers clap their hands, *
   and let the hills ring out with joy before God, who will come to judge the earth.

God shall judge the world in righteousness *
   and the peoples with equity.

                                                                      (The Saint Helena Psalter)

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How does this song of triumph connect with the birth of the child Jesus?

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Titus 3:4-7

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not
because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy,
through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured
out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified
 by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

___________

What is the hope that this passage announces to us?

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Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius
 was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto
 the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage
of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she 
should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in
 swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them
 in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
 over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel
said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which
shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the
 angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds
said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which
 is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste,
and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen
it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the
 shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And 
the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they
 had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

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What images come to your imagination as you read this passage?

How might it affect your images to know that shepherds were regarded with great 
suspicion in Jesus' day?  They were thought of as thieves and rogues, little better
than criminals.

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Our Rule of Life:
  We aspire to...
     worship weekly
     pray daily
     learn constantly
     serve joyfully
     live generously.

Check our website: www.stpaulsfay.org