Scripture Readings
The First Sunday After Christmas Day
In Year C
Scripture readings are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® NIV® ©1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society, used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. All rights reserved.
Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle Reading
Gospel Reading
Old Testament
But Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a
boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and
took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.
Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children
by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the
LORD.” Then they would go home
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature
and in favor with the LORD and with men.
—1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, NIV
Go
to the top of this pagePsalm
Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.
He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and maidens,
old men and children.
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 for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.
—Psalm 148, NIV
Epistle
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may
have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these
virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another
with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude
in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him.
—Colossians 3:12-17, NIV
Gospel
Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for
the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to
the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while his parents
were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were
unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day.
Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they
did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three
days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening
to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his
understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished.
His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father
and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked.
“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand
what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and
was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
—Luke 2:41-52, NIV
