Numbers 6: 22-27

God gives Moses the words he must use in blessing the people of Israel.

 

Galatians 4: 4-7

Through the Son, we become Spirit-filled children of God.

 

Luke 2: 16-21

Mary treasured all that the shepherds told her of the angels’ message.

Isaiah 52: 7-10
Isaiah foretells the coming of the Lord: It is to be a time of great rejoicing, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of God.

Hebrews 1: 1-6
All the prophecies of old have been fulfilled by God in the sending of his Son, Jesus Christ. All the angels worship Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God.

John 1: 1-18
John reflects on the mystery of the incarnation, where the eternal word of God becomes flesh and lives among us.  In him, we see God’s glory.

Isaiah 40: 1-5. 9-11

Words of comfort that speak to the heart characterise this reading from Isaiah, together with the promise of new Exodus and the revelation of divine glory.

 

2 Peter 3: 8-14

Against those who deny Christ’s future return in glory, the author contrasts God’s transcendence and forbearance with all that is transitory.  He urges us to live in such a way as to be ready to meet the Lord who will come unexpectedly.

 

Mark 1: 1-8

John the Baptist is the last of the Old Testament prophets.  He heralds the imminent coming of Jesus the Messiah.

 

Isaiah 61: 1-2. 10-11
The prophet Isaiah says God’s spirit brings him great joy.  He prophesies that those who are poor will receive good news, broken hearts will be healed, prisoners will be freed and justice will reign.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
Paul suggests that at all times and in all circumstances we are to rejoice, pray and give thanks to God.

John 1: 6-8. 19-28
John the Baptist points out that the Lord is quietly present in the world and that he himself is simply ‘a witness to speak for the light’.

Isaiah 63: 16-17. 64: 1. 3-8

The prophet proclaims the Lord as Father and Redeemer and longs for him to reveal himself.

 

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9

Paul expresses thanks for the Christian witness and help of the Spirit as the faithful wait for the return of Jesus.

 

Mark 13: 33-37

Jesus encourages us to have a watchful expectancy and readiness for his return.