Sunday , December 27, 2020
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Not only has the Lord come to a manger in Bethlehem, but now He has also come to His own temple in Jerusalem. The building that itself was to be a sign of God’s presence among His people now becomes the very place where Jesus is presented to the Lord. Promised for centuries, salvation has come, and all nations shall see the glory of the Lord. As Simeon beholds this glory in the face of Jesus Christ, he embraces redemption in his arms. Through the Word you will hear today, you, too, will embrace Christ and His saving work. Sing of His glory! God has come to you!
READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 61:10–62:3
(The nations shall see the Lord’s righteousness.)
Psalm 111
EPISTLE READING: Galatians 4:4–7
(God sent forth His Son to redeem us.)
HOLY GOSPEL READING: Luke 2:22–40
(Jesus is presented to the Lord at the temple.)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature.
Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.