Lectionary Readings for Christmas Eve & Christmas 1c
The interwoven story of Christ in the Scriptures
This week we have the passages for Christmas Eve & December 29 on the chart. You can read both sets each day or pick one or the other.
Christmas Eve, December 24: Luke 2:1-20, Titus 2:11-14, Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96
Sunday, December 29: Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Sam. 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148
Mon. Dec. 23, 2024: Luke 2:1-14, Luke 2:41-52
Luke 2:1-14 (NRSVue)
“In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’”
Themes:
Divine Humility - God's entrance through a humble birth in a manger
Political Context - The story set against backdrop of Roman imperial power
Universal Message - Good news proclaimed for "all people"
Fear and Comfort - Angel's "Do not be afraid" addressing human anxiety
Divine Glory - Heavenly host revealing God's majesty
Peace and Goodwill - Proclamation of peace on earth
Marginalized Witnesses - Shepherds as first recipients of the news
Divine Identity - Jesus proclaimed as Savior, Messiah, and Lord
Signs and Wonders - Angelic visitation and heavenly glory
Social Justice - God's preference for the lowly and outcast
Luke 2:41-52 (NRSVue)
41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him.
46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” 49 He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them.
51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them; his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
Themes
The importance of family and religious traditions
The growth and development of Jesus
The quest for knowledge and understanding
The relationship between Jesus and his earthly parents
Divine purpose and identity
Tue. Dec. 24, 2024: Titus 2:11-14, Colossians 3:12-17
Titus 2:11-14 (NRSVue)
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own, who are zealous for good deeds.”
Themes
Divine Grace - God's saving grace appearing to all humanity
Moral Transformation - Training in righteous living and self-control
Future Hope - Anticipation of Christ's glorious return
Redemptive Purpose - Christ's self-giving to purify his people
Active Faith - Called to be zealous for good deeds
Present and Future - Living godly lives while awaiting Christ's return
Universal Salvation - Grace bringing salvation to all people
Sanctification - Process of being purified and set apart
Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSVue)
"As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Themes
Compassion
Kindness
Humility
Gentleness
Patience
Forgiveness
Love
Peace
Gratitude
Wed. Dec. 25, 2024: Isaiah 9:2-7, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSVue)
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Themes
Light and Darkness - Contrast between spiritual darkness and divine illumination
Joy and Celebration - Multiplication of nation and increased joy
Liberation - Breaking of oppression and burden
Peace and End of War - Burning of war implements and endless peace
Divine Kingship - Authority and governance through the promised child
Messianic Titles - Names revealing divine and royal character
Justice and Righteousness - Establishment of righteous governance
Divine Initiative - God's zeal accomplishing the promised transformation
Hope and Promise - Future deliverance and restoration
Universal Impact - Effects reaching beyond Israel to all peoples
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (NRSVue)
Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord.” And then they would return to their home. Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people.
Themes
The significance of faithfulness in service
The importance of honoring God in one’s actions
The consequences of neglecting spiritual duties
The role of family in spiritual leadership
Thur. Dec. 26, 2024: Psalm 96 & Psalm 148
Psalm 96 (NRSVue)
1 O sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
he is to be revered above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Honor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, "The Lord is king!
The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity."
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he is coming,
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his truth.
Themes
Universal Worship - Call for all the earth to sing to the Lord
Proclamation - Active declaration of God's salvation and works
Global Mission - Sharing God's glory among all nations
New Song - Fresh expression of praise and worship
Divine Glory - Recognition of God's majesty and splendor
Inclusive Praise - All peoples and nations invited to worship
Salvation Story - Ongoing testimony of God's saving acts
Divine Sovereignty - Acknowledgment of God's rule over all creation
Psalm 148 (NRSVue)
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.”
Themes
Praise for creation
Universal call to worship
The majesty of God
The role of heavenly beings
The significance of all living creatures
Fri. Dec. 27, 2024: Find the Intersection(s)
Intersections and Themes in the Passages for December 24
Divine Light Breaking into Darkness
Isaiah 9:2 - Light shining on those in deep darkness
Luke 2:9 - The glory of the Lord shining around the shepherds
Titus 2:11 - God's grace appearing to all people
God's Preference for the Marginalized
Luke 2:8-11 - Angels appearing first to lowly shepherds
Isaiah 9:4 - Breaking the rod of oppression
Psalm 96:1-3 - Inclusive call for all earth to sing
Revolutionary Peace Through Justice
Isaiah 9:6-7 - Peace through righteous leadership
Luke 2:14 - Peace proclaimed by angels
Titus 2:12 - Living upright lives in the present age
Universal Liberation and Joy
Psalm 96:1-3 - All nations invited to celebrate
Luke 2:10 - Good news of great joy for all people
Isaiah 9:3 - Increased joy for the nation
Transformative Grace in Action
Titus 2:11-14 - Grace teaching us to live differently
Luke 2:15-20 - Shepherds becoming active witnesses
Isaiah 9:5-6 - Radical transformation of power structures
Intersections and Themes in the Passages for December 29
Growth in Wisdom
1 Samuel 2:26: "Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man."
Luke 2:52 : "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."
The Role of Family
Colossians 3:12-17: Encourages families to live in harmony and support one another in their spiritual journeys.
Luke 2:41-52: Demonstrates Mary and Joseph’s role in guiding Jesus and the importance of their family bond during their journey.
Pilgrimage and Spiritual Journey
1 Samuel 2:18-20: Samuel’s dedication in the temple reflects a lifelong spiritual commitment.
Luke 2:41-52: Mary and Joseph's journey to the temple highlights the spiritual significance of their pilgrimage.
The Search for Identity
Luke 2:49: Jesus' response to his parents shows his awareness of his identity and mission: "Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
Colossians 3:12-17: Calls believers to live out their identity in Christ, reflecting self-awareness and purpose.
Community and Belonging
Psalm 148: Calls all of creation to praise God, emphasizing collective worship.
Colossians 3:12-17: Encourages mutual support and teaching within the community of believers.