Lectionary Readings Book of Common Prayer - 1979 Sunday, February-03-2013 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and in our time grant us thy peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Jeremiah 1:4-10
⁴Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ⁵" Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." ⁶Then said I: " Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." ⁷But the LORD said to me: " Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. ⁸Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD. ⁹Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: " Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. ¹⁰See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant." -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 71:1-17

1In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; *
     let me never be ashamed.
2In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *
     incline your ear to me and save me.
3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
     you are my crag and my stronghold.
4Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *
     from of the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5For you are my hope, O LORD God, *
     my confidence since I was young.
6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;
     from my mother's womb you have been my strength; *
     my praise shall be always of you.
7I have become a portent to many; *
     but you are my refuge and my strength.
8Let my mouth be full of your praise *
     and your glory all the day long.
9Do not cast me off in my old age; *
     forsake me not when my strength fails.
10For my enemies are talking against me, *
     and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.
11They say, "God has forsaken him;
     go after him and seize him; *
     because there is none who will save."
12O God, be not far from me; *
     come quickly to help me, O my God.
13Let those who set themselves against me be put to shame and
     be disgraced; *
     let those who seek to do me evil be covered with scorn
     and reproach.
14But I shall always wait in patience, *
     and shall praise you more and more.
15My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
     and saving deeds all day long; *
     though I cannot know the number of them.
16I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; *
     I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
     and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.

- OR -

Psalm 71:1-6,15-17

1In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; *
     let me never be ashamed.
2In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *
     incline your ear to me and save me.
3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
     you are my crag and my stronghold.
4Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *
     from of the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5For you are my hope, O LORD God, *
     my confidence since I was young.
6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;
     from my mother's womb you have been my strength; *
     my praise shall be always of you.
15My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
     and saving deeds all day long; *
     though I cannot know the number of them.
16I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; *
     I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
     and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.

New Testament Reading

1 Corinthians 14:12-20
¹²Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. ¹³Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. ¹⁴For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. ¹⁵What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. ¹⁶Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? ¹⁷For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. ¹⁸I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; ¹⁹yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. ²⁰Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Luke 4:21-32
²¹And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." ²²So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?" ²³He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.'" ²⁴Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. ²⁵But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; ²⁶but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath,in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. ²⁷And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." ²⁸So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, ²⁹and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. ³⁰Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. ³¹Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. ³²And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. -- NKJV

Lectionary Readings Book of Common Prayer - 1979 Sunday, January-27-2013 Third Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect

Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Give 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 liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Nehemiah 8:2-10
²So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. ³Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. ⁴So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. ⁵And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. ⁶And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. ⁷Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. ⁸So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. ⁹And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. ¹⁰Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 113

Laudate, pueri
1Hallelujah!
     Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
     praise the Name of the LORD.
2Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
     from this time forth for evermore.
3From the rising of the sun to its going down *
     let the Name of the LORD be praised.
4The LORD is high above all nations, *
     and his glory above the heavens.
5Who is like the LORD our God, who sits enthroned on high, *
     but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?
6He takes up the weak out of the dust *
     and lifts up the poor from the ashes.
7He sets them with the princes, *
     with the princes of his people.
8He makes the woman of a childless house *
     to be a joyful mother of children.

New Testament Reading

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
¹²For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. ¹³For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴For in fact the body is not one member but many. ¹⁵If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? ¹⁸But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. ¹⁹And if they were all one member, where would the body be? ²⁰But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. ²¹And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." ²²No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. ²³And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, ²⁴but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, ²⁵that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. ²⁶And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. ²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Luke 4:14-21
¹⁴Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. ¹⁵And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. ¹⁶So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ¹⁷And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: ¹⁸" The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; ¹⁹To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." ²⁰Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. ²¹And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." -- NKJV

Lectionary Readings Book of Common Prayer - 1979 Sunday, January-06-2013

The Collect

The Epiphany
O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know thee now by faith, to thy presence, where we may behold thy glory face to face; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of the Epiphany

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 60:1-6,9
¹Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. ²For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. ³The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. ⁴" Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. ⁵Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. ⁶The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. ⁹Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the LORD your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you. -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 72

Deus, judicium
1Give the King your justice, O God, *
     and your righteousness to the King's son;
2That he may rule your people righteously *
     and the poor with justice.
3That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
     and the little hills bring righteousness.
4He shall defend the needy among the people; *
     he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
5He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
     from one generation to another.
6He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
     like showers that water the earth.
7In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
     there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall
     be no more.
8He shall rule from sea to sea, *
     and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9His foes shall bow down before him, *
     and his enemies lick the dust.
10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
     and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
11All kings shall bow down before him, *
     and all the nations do him service.
12For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *
     and the oppressed who has no helper.
13He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *
     he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
     and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
15Long may he live!
     and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; *
     may prayer be made for him always,
     and may they bless him all the day long.
16May there be abundance of grain on the earth,
     growing thick even on the hilltops; *
     may its fruit flourish like Lebanon,
     and its grain like grass upon the earth.
17May his Name remain for ever
     and be established as long as the sun endures; *
     may all the nations bless themselves in him and
     call him blessed.
18Blessed be the Lord GOD, the God of Israel, *
     who alone does wondrous deeds!
19And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *
     and may all the earth be filled with his glory.
     Amen. Amen.

- OR -

Psalm 72:1-2,10-17

1Give the King your justice, O God, *
     and your righteousness to the King's son;
2That he may rule your people righteously *
     and the poor with justice.
10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
     and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
11All kings shall bow down before him, *
     and all the nations do him service.
12For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *
     and the oppressed who has no helper.
13He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *
     he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
     and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
15Long may he live!
     and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; *
     may prayer be made for him always,
     and may they bless him all the day long.
16May there be abundance of grain on the earth,
     growing thick even on the hilltops; *
     may its fruit flourish like Lebanon,
     and its grain like grass upon the earth.
17May his Name remain for ever
     and be established as long as the sun endures; *
     may all the nations bless themselves in him and
     call him blessed.

New Testament Reading

Ephesians 3:1-12
¹For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles- ²if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, ³how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, ⁴by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), ⁵which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: ⁶that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, ⁷of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. ⁸To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, ⁹and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; ¹⁰to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, ¹¹according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹²in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Matthew 2:1-12
¹Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ²saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." ³When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ⁶' But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" ⁷Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. ⁸And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." ⁹When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. ¹¹And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹²Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. -- NKJV

Lectionary Readings Book of Common Prayer - 1979 Sunday, December-30-2012 First Sunday after Christmas

The Collect

First Sunday after Christmas Day
Almighty God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word: Grant that the same light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of the Incarnation

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
61:¹⁰ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. ¹¹ For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. 62:¹ For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. ² The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will give. ³ You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Psalm

Psalm 147

Laudate Domi
1Hallelujah!
     How good it is to sing praises to our God! *
     how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!
2The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; *
     he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3He heals the brokenhearted *
     and binds up their wounds.
4He counts the number of the stars *
     and calls them all by their names.
5Great is our LORD and mighty in power; *
     there is no limit to his wisdom.
6The LORD lifts up the lowly, *
     but casts the wicked to the ground.
7Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; *
     make music to our God upon the harp.
8He covers the heavens with clouds *
     and prepares rain for the earth;
9He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *
     and green plants to serve mankind.
10He provides food for flocks and herds *
     and for the young ravens when they cry.
11He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *
     he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;
12But the LORD has pleasure in those who fear him, *
     in those who await his gracious favour.
13Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
     praise your God, O Zion;
14For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
     he has blessed your children within you.
15He has established peace on your borders; *
     he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
16He sends out his command to the earth, *
     and his word runs very swiftly.
17He gives snow like wool; *
     he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
18He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
     who can stand against his cold?
19He sends forth his word and melts them; *
     he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
20He declares his word to Jacob, *
     his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
21He has not done so to any other nation; *
     to them he has not revealed his judgments.
     Hallelujah!

- OR -

Psalm 147:13-21

13Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
     praise your God, O Zion;
14For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
     he has blessed your children within you.
15He has established peace on your borders; *
     he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
16He sends out his command to the earth, *
     and his word runs very swiftly.
17He gives snow like wool; *
     he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
18He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
     who can stand against his cold?
19He sends forth his word and melts them; *
     he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
20He declares his word to Jacob, *
     his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
21He has not done so to any other nation; *
     to them he has not revealed his judgments.
     Hallelujah!

New Testament Reading

Galatians 3:23-25
²³ Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. ²⁴ So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; - AND -

Galatians 4:4-7
⁴ But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ⁶ And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" ⁷ So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.

Gospel Reading

John 1:1-18
¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God; ³ all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. ⁹ The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. ¹¹ He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. ¹² But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. ¹⁵ (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") ¹⁶ And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

Lectionary Readings Book of Common Prayer - 1979 Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Collect

Fourth Sunday of Advent
We beseech thee, Almighty God, to purify our consciences by thy daily visitation, that when thy Son Jesus Christ cometh he may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of Advent

Old Testament Reading

Micah 5:2-5
² But you, O Bethlehem Eph'rathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. ³ Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in travail has brought forth; then the rest of his brethren shall return to the people of Israel. ⁴ And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. ⁵ And this shall be peace, when the Assyrian comes into our land and treads upon our soil, that we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men;

Psalm

Psalm 80

Qui regis Israel
1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
     shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
     stir up your strength and come to help us.
3Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
4O LORD God of hosts, *
     how long will you be angered
     despite the prayers of your people?
5You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
     you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *
     and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
7Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
8You have brought a vine out of Egypt; *
     you cast out the nations and planted it.
9You prepared the ground for it; *
     it took root and filled the land.
10The mountains were covered by its shadow *
     and the towering cedar trees by its boughs.
11You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea *
     and its branches to the River.
12Why have you broken down its wall, *
     so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes?
13The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it, *
     and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it.
14Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;
     behold and tend this vine; *
     preserve what your right hand has planted.
15They burn it with fire like rubbish; *
     at the rebuke of your countenance let them perish.
16Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *
     and son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
17And so will we never turn away from you; *
     give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
18Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

- OR -

Psalm 80:1-7

1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
     shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
     stir up your strength and come to help us.
3Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
4O LORD God of hosts, *
     how long will you be angered
     despite the prayers of your people?
5You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
     you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *
     and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
7Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

New Testament Reading

Hebrews 10:5-10
⁵ Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me; ⁶ in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken no pleasure. ⁷ Then I said, `Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,' as it is written of me in the roll of the book." ⁸ When he said above, "Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), ⁹ then he added, "Lo, I have come to do thy will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. ¹⁰ And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Gospel Reading

Luke 1:39-49(50-56)
³⁹ In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, ⁴⁰ and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit ⁴² and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³ And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." ⁴⁶ And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸ for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; ⁴⁹ for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (⁵⁰ And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, ⁵² he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; ⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, ⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." ⁵⁶ And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. )

Lectionary Readings Book of Common Prayer - 1979 Third Sunday of Advent

The Collect

Third Sunday of Advent
Stir up thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen
Preface of Advent

Old Testament Reading

Zephaniah 3:14-20
¹⁴ Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! ¹⁵ The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more. ¹⁶ On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. ¹⁷ The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing ¹⁸ as on a day of festival. "I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. ¹⁹ Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. ²⁰ At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you together; yea, I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes," says the LORD.

Psalm

Psalm 85

Benedixisti, Domine
1You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, *
     you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *
     and blotted out all their sins.
3You have withdrawn all your fury *
     and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
4Restore us then, O God our Savior; *
     let your anger depart from us.
5Will you be displeased with us for ever? *
     will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6Will you not give us life again, *
     that your people may rejoice in you?
7Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
     and grant us your salvation.
8I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *
     for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
     and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
     that his glory may dwell in our land.
10Mercy and truth have met together; *
     righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
     and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
     and our land will yield its increase.
13Righteousness shall go before him, *
     and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

- OR -

Psalm 85:7-13

7Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
     and grant us your salvation.
8I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *
     for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
     and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
     that his glory may dwell in our land.
10Mercy and truth have met together; *
     righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
     and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
     and our land will yield its increase.
13Righteousness shall go before him, *
     and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

New Testament Reading

Philippians 4:4-7(8-9)
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. )

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:7-18
⁷ He said therefore to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ Bear fruits that befit repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. ⁹ Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." ¹⁰ And the multitudes asked him, "What then shall we do?" ¹¹ And he answered them, "He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." ¹² Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" ¹³ And he said to them, "Collect no more than is appointed you." ¹⁴ Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages." ¹⁵ As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, ¹⁶ John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. ¹⁷ His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." ¹⁸ So, with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people.

Lectionary Readings Book of Common Prayer - 1979 Second Sunday of Advent

The Collect

Second Sunday of Advent
Merciful God, who sent thy 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 liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of Advent

Old Testament Reading

Baruch 5:1-9
¹ Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on for ever the beauty of the glory from God. ² Put on the robe of the righteousness from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting. ³ For God will show your splendor everywhere under heaven. ⁴ For your name will for ever be called by God, "Peace of righteousness and glory of godliness." ⁵ Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height and look toward the east, and see your children gathered from west and east, at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. ⁶ For they went forth from you on foot, led away by their enemies; but God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. ⁷ For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. ⁸ The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God's command. ⁹ For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him. -- RSV

Psalm

Psalm 126

In convertendo
1When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
     then were we like those who dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
     and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3Then they said among the nations, *
     "The LORD has done great things for them."
4The LORD has done great things for us, *
     and we are glad indeed.
5Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
     like the watercourses of the Negev.
6Those who sowed with tears *
     will reap with songs of joy.
7Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
     will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

New Testament Reading

Philippians 1:1-11
¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philip'pi, with the bishops and deacons: ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵ thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:1-6
¹ In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile'ne, ² in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; ³ and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁴ As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. ⁵ Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; ⁶ and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."