Isaiah 60: 1-6
Israel will return from exile in Babylon and Jerusalem will be restored.  God’s presence in the new Jerusalem will radiate such a light that it will attract all nations through faith.

Ephesians 3: 2-3. 5-6

Paul announces the hidden mystery revealed to him through the Spirit: Jewish and non-Jewish people are no longer divided but united in the body of Christ.

Matthew 2: 1-12
Matthew recounts the quest of the wise men to find the infant king of the Jews and pay him homage.  It then compares their courage and faith as Gentiles with the fear and falsity of King Herod.

Numbers 6: 22-27
The Lord promises his blessing on his chosen people.

Galatians 4: 4-7
Paul shows that we are sons and daughters and heirs, because we are adopted brothers and sisters of Mary’s son.

Luke 2: 16-21
Mary, kneeling by the manger, is present right at the start of our salvation.

Isaiah 7: 10-14
The young woman is with child and will bear a son, who will be called God-with-us.

Romans 1: 1-7
St Paul proclaims Jesus as the son of David and the Son of God.

Matthew 1: 18-24
Joseph trusts in the power of God’s Spirit and overcomes his fear.

Isaiah 35: 1-6. 10
The Prophet assures his people in exile that the Lord will come, the desert will bloom and human disabilities will be healed.

James 5: 7-10
The farmer, who plants his seeds in autumn and, after early and late rains, sees the first shoots appear, is an example of patient waiting.

Matthew 11: 2-11
John’s disciples assure him that his waiting is rewarded: the Messiah has come, the words of the prophet are fulfilled.

Isaiah 11: 1-10
The messianic rule of justice overflows into a vision of a peace amidst the animal creation.

Romans 15: 4-9
Scripture gives us examples of tolerance and hope, which we are invited to follow.

Matthew 3: 1-12
John the Baptist preaches repentance and challenges those who are complacent with the coming judgement of God.