November 12The CollectO God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Amos 5:18-24

Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord:Alas for you who desire the day of the LORD!

Why do you want the day of the LORD?It is darkness, not light;

as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear;or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,

and was bitten by a snake.Is not the day of the LORD darkness, not light,

and gloom with no brightness in it?I hate, I despise your festivals,

and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,

I will not accept them;and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals

I will not look upon.Take away from me the noise of your songs;

I will not listen to the melody of your harps.But let justice roll down like waters,

and righteousness like an everflowing stream.

Psalm 70

Band: 1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; *O LORD, make haste to help me.

Organ: 2 Let those who seek my life be ashamedand altogether dismayed; *let those who take pleasure in my misfortunedraw back and be disgraced.

Band: 3 Let those who say to me "Aha!" and gloat over me turn back, *because they are ashamed.

Organ: 4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; *let those who love your salvation say for ever,"Great is the LORD!"

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Band: 5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; *come to me speedily, O God.

Organ: 6 You are my helper and my deliverer; *O LORD, do not tarry.

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus said, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

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November 19The CollectBlessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Zephaniah 1:7,12-18

Reader 1: Be silent before the Lord GOD!For the day of the LORD is at hand;

Reader 2: the LORD has prepared a sacrifice,he has consecrated his guests.

Reader 1: At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,and I will punish the people

Reader 2: who rest complacently on their dregs,those who say in their hearts,

Reader 1: “The LORD will not do good,nor will he do harm.”

Reader 2: Their wealth shall be plundered,and their houses laid waste.

Reader 1: Though they build houses,they shall not inhabit them;

Reader 2: though they plant vineyards,they shall not drink wine from them.

Reader 1: The great day of the LORD is near,near and hastening fast;

Reader 2: the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter,the warrior cries aloud there.

Reader 1: That day will be a day of wrath,a day of distress and anguish,

Reader 2: a day of ruin and devastation,a day of darkness and gloom,

Reader 1: a day of clouds and thick darkness,a day of trumpet blast and battle cry

Reader 2: against the fortified citiesand against the lofty battlements.

Reader 1: I will bring such distress upon peoplethat they shall walk like the blind; because they have sinned against the LORD,

Reader 2: their blood shall be poured out like dust,and their flesh like dung.

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Reader 1: Neither their silver nor their goldwill be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath;

Reader 2: in the fire of his passionthe whole earth shall be consumed;

Reader 1: for a full, a terrible endhe will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.

Psalm 90:1-8, 12

1 Lord, you have been our refuge *from one generation to another.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth,or the land and the earth were born, *from age to age you are God.

3 You turn us back to the dust and say, *"Go back, O child of earth."

4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *and like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep us away like a dream; *we fade away suddenly like the grass.

6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *in the evening it is dried up and withered.

7 For we consume away in your displeasure; *we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.

8 Our iniquities you have set before you, *and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

12 So teach us to number our days *that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus said, “It is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master

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replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

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Thanksgiving Day

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 8:7-18

Moses said to all Israel: For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land where you may eat bread without scarcity, where you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron and from whose hills you may mine copper. You shall eat your fill and bless the LORD your God for the good land that he has given you.

Take care that you do not forget the LORD your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid wasteland with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Do not say to yourself, "My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.

 

Psalm 65

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You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; *to you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem.

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To you that hear prayer shall all flesh come, *because of their transgressions.

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Our sins are stronger than we are, *but you will blot them out.

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Happy are they whom you chooseand draw to your courts to dwell there! *they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house,by the holiness of your temple.

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Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness,O God of our salvation, *O Hope of all the ends of the earthand of the seas that are far away.

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You make fast the mountains by your power; *they are girded about with might.

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You still the roaring of the seas, *the roaring of their waves,and the clamor of the peoples.

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Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs; *you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy.

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You visit the earth and water it abundantly;you make it very plenteous; *the river of God is full of water.

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You prepare the grain, *for so you provide for the earth.

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You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; *with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.

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You crown the year with your goodness, *and your paths overflow with plenty.

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May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, *and the hills be clothed with joy.

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May the meadows cover themselves with flocks,and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; *let them shout for joy and sing.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,

"He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;his righteousness endures forever."

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

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Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."

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November 26The CollectAlmighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.

Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.

I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken.

Psalm 95:1-7a

1 Come, let us sing to the LORD; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

3 For the LORD is a great God, *and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *and the heights of the hills are his also.

5 The sea is his, for he made it, *and his hands have molded the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *and kneel before the LORD our Maker.

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7 For he is our God,and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

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Saint Andrew December 3The CollectAlmighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 30:11-14

Moses said to the people of Israel, “Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.”

Psalm 19:1-6

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *and the firmament shows his handiwork.

2 One day tells its tale to another, *and one night imparts knowledge to another.

3 Although they have no words or language, *and their voices are not heard,

4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *and their message to the ends of the world.

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavensand runs about to the end of it again; *nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

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December 10The CollectMerciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-11

READER 1: Comfort, O comfort my people,says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,and cry to her

READER 2: that she has served her term,that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the LORD's handdouble for all her sins.

READER 1: A voice cries out:“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;READER 2: the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,

and all people shall see it together,for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

READER 1: A voice says, “Cry out!”And I said, “What shall I cry?”

All people are grass,their constancy is like the flower of the field.

READER 2: The grass withers, the flower fades,when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades;but the word of our God will stand for ever.

READER 1: Get you up to a high mountain,O Zion, herald of good tidings;

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lift up your voice with strength,O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,lift it up, do not fear;

say to the cities of Judah,“Here is your God!”

READER 2: See, the Lord GOD comes with might,and his arm rules for him;

his reward is with him,and his recompense before him.

READER 1: He will feed his flock like a shepherd;he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom,and gently lead the mother sheep.

2 Peter 3:8-15a

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way;

the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord,make his paths straight,’”

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who

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is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

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December 17

The CollectStir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

READER: The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,because the LORD has anointed me;

CONGREGATION: he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,to bind up the brokenhearted,

READER 2: to proclaim liberty to the captives,and release to the prisoners;

CONGREGATION: to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor,and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

READER 2: to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes,

CONGREGATION: the oil of gladness instead of mourning,the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

READER 2: They will be called oaks of righteousness,the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.

CONGREGATION: They shall build up the ancient ruins,they shall raise up the former devastations;

READER 2: they shall repair the ruined cities,the devastations of many generations.

CONGREGATION: For I the LORD love justice,I hate robbery and wrongdoing;

READER 2: I will faithfully give them their recompense,and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

CONGREGATION: Their descendants shall be known among the nations,and their offspring among the peoples;

READER 2: all who see them shall acknowledgethat they are a people whom the LORD has blessed.

CONGREGATION: I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,my whole being shall exult in my God;

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READER 2: for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

CONGREGATION: as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

READER 2: For as the earth brings forth its shoots,and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

CONGREGATION: so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praiseto spring up before all the nations.

Canticle 15

The Song of Mary 

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * 

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: *

the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him *

in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, *

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *

and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, *

and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, *

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

John 1:6-8,19-28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I

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baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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December 24th Morning

The CollectPurify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Canticle 15

The Song of Mary

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * 

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: *

the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him *

in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, *

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *

and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, *

and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, *

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Romans 16:25-27

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

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Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

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Christmas EveThe CollectO 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.

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before youas with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

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.

For all the boots of the tramping warriorsand all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

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.

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 righteousnessfrom this time onward and forevermore.

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The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Psalm 96

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; *sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; *proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations *and his wonders among all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; *he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; *ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; *bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; *let the whole earth tremble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! *he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;he will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joybefore the LORD when he comes, *when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness *and the peoples with his truth.

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 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.

Luke 2:1-20

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

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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!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

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December 31

Lessons and CarolsGenesis 3:1-15

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, `You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, `You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate." Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me, and I ate." The LORD God said to the serpent,

"Because you have done this,

cursed are you among all animals

and among all wild creatures;

upon your belly you shall go,

and dust you shall eat

all the days of your life.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

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and between your offspring and hers;

he will strike your head,

and you will strike his heel."

Isaiah 40: 1-11

Comfort, O comfort my people,

says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and cry to her

that she has served her term,

that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the LORD's hand

double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:

"In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,

and all people shall see it together,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

A voice says, "Cry out!"

And I said, "What shall I cry?"

All people are grass,

their constancy is like the flower of the field.25

The grass withers, the flower fades,

when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;

surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades;

but the word of our God will stand forever.

Get you up to a high mountain,

O Zion, herald of good tidings;

lift up your voice with strength,

O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,

lift it up, do not fear;

say to the cities of Judah,

"Here is your God!"

See, the Lord GOD comes with might,

and his arm rules for him;

his reward is with him,

and his recompense before him.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead the mother sheep.

Isaiah 35: 1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,

the desert shall rejoice and blossom;

like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,

and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,26

the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.

They shall see the glory of the LORD,

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands,

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

"Be strong, do not fear!

Here is your God.

He will come with vengeance,

with terrible recompense.

He will come and save you."

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then the lame shall leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;

the burning sand shall become a pool,

and the thirsty ground springs of water;

the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,

the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there,

and it shall be called the Holy Way;

the unclean shall not travel on it,

but it shall be for God's people;

no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.

No lion shall be there,27

nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;

they shall not be found there,

but the redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,

and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:39-56

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

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And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

according to the promise he made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Luke 2:1-20

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.

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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!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:21-35

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,30

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

January 7 Epiphany31

The CollectO God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come,and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

For darkness shall cover the earth,and thick darkness the peoples;

but the LORD will arise upon you,and his glory will appear over you.

Nations shall come to your light,and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Lift up your eyes and look around;they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from far away,and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms.

Then you shall see and be radiant;your heart shall thrill and rejoice,

because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

A multitude of camels shall cover you,the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come.

They shall bring gold and frankincense,and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

Psalm 72:1-7,10-14

1 Give the King your justice, O God, *and your righteousness to the King's Son;

2 That he may rule your people righteously *and the poor with justice;

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *and the little hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *from one generation to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *like showers that water the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

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10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

11 All kings shall bow down before him, *and all the nations do him service.

12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *and the oppressed who has no helper.

13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a rulerwho is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

January 14

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The CollectAlmighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

1 Samuel 3:1-10

READER 1: Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said,

READER 2: “Here I am!”

READER 1: and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said,

READER 2: “Here I am, for you called me.”

READER 1: But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said,

READER 2: “Here I am, for you called me.”

READER 1: Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said,

READER 2: “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17

1 LORD, you have searched me out and known me; *you know my sitting down and my rising up;you discern my thoughts from afar.

2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places *and are acquainted with all my ways.

3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *but you, O LORD, know it altogether.

4 You press upon me behind and before *and lay your hand upon me.

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5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *it is so high that I cannot attain to it.

12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; *you knit me together in my mother's womb.

13 I will thank you because I am marvelously made; *your works are wonderful, and I know it well.

14 My body was not hidden from you, *while I was being made in secretand woven in the depths of the earth.

15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;all of them were written in your book; *they were fashioned day by day,when as yet there was none of them.

16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *how great is the sum of them!

17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; *to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours.

John 1:43-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

January 21

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The CollectGive us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

Psalm 62:6-14

WOMEN: 6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *truly, my hope is in him.

MEN: 7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.

WOMEN: 8 In God is my safety and my honor; *God is my strong rock and my refuge.

MEN: 9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.

WOMEN: 10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *even those of low estate cannot be trusted.

MEN: 11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *all of them together.

WOMEN: 12 Put no trust in extortion;in robbery take no empty pride; *though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.

MEN: 13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *that power belongs to God.

WOMEN: 14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *for you repay everyone according to his deeds.

Mark 1:14-20

After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And

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immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

January 2837

The CollectAlmighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Moses said: The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the LORD my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the LORD replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”

Psalm 111

1 Hallelujah!I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, *in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the deeds of the LORD! *they are studied by all who delight in them.

3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *and his righteousness endures for ever.

4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He gives food to those who fear him; *he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works *in giving them the lands of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *because they are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption to his people;he commanded his covenant for ever; *holy and awesome is his Name.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *those who act accordingly have a good understanding;his praise endures for ever.

Mark 1:21-28

Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the

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scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

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