2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14. 16.
God promises to give David not a physical house but a great name and a dynasty.

Romans 16: 25-27.
St Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is the revelation of a mystery that has been kept secret for endless ages.

Luke 1: 26-38.
Mary is asked to trust the God who makes great promises and who now wants to fulfil them through her.

Isaiah 61: 1-2. 10-11
The prophet joyfully proclaims the Lord’s Jubilee, when good news and liberty are brought to those who are poor and those held captive. 

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
St Paul urges his readers to always be happy, to hold on to what is good and avoid evil, and to pray at all times.  He hopes for their safety until the coming of the Lord. 

John 1: 6-8. 19-28
John the Baptist is a witness to the coming of the Lord, the light of the world.  He prepares the way, and acknowledges the true status of the one who is to come. 

Isaiah 40: 1-5. 9-11
Isaiah is called to console the people by announcing the coming of God.He calls them to prepare a way in the desert. 

2 Peter 3: 8-14
For God time is not measured in days.Although we wait we are called to trust that God is coming and live good lives based on hope. 

Mark 1: 1-8
In the wilderness, John the Baptist calls the people to prepare the way of the Lord. 

Isaiah 63: 16-17, 64: 1. 3-8
The people of Israel have returned form exile in Babylon, but Jerusalem lies in ruins.  Isaiah implores God to come again as Redeemer in a manifestation even greater than on Mount Sinai. 

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9
Ancient Corinth had risen from the ashes and was now an important town, but it was also a place of corruption on a vast scale.  Paul extols the Christian community for their witness to God whose faithfulness will sustain them to the end. 

Mark 13: 33-37
By means of a parable Jesus impresses upon his followers the need to be watchful and ready to meet God on the last day. 

Ezekiel 34: 11-12. 15-17
As the leaders of God’s people have shown themselves to be self-serving, God’s own self will now be the true shepherd, caring for all the peoples’ needs. 

1 Corinthians 15: 20-26. 28
Christ the King who destroys all the enemies of God and fulfils God’s plan for all creation. 

Matthew 25: 31-46
The King judges all the nations: whatever is done to the least of his brothers and sisters is done to him.