Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
Prayer:
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Readings:
Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25
This Weeks Readings
THIS WEEK, beginning December 22, 2019| Monday | 2 Samuel 7:18-23-29 Luke 1:46b-55 Galatians 3:6-14 |
| Tuesday | Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 |
| Wednesday | Christmas Day Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2::(1-7) 8-20 |
| Thursday | Stephen, Deacon and Martyr 2 Chronicles 24:17-22 Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51-60 Matthew 23:34-39 |
| Friday | John, Apostle and Evangelist Genesis 1:1-5, 26-31 Psalm 116: 12-19 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 21:20-25 |
| Saturday | The Holy Innocents, Martyrs Jeremiah 31:15-17 Psalm 124 1 Peter 4:12-19 Matthew 2:13-18 |
