Jeremiah 1: 4-5. 17-19
The Lord gives us the strength to carry out our calling to follow him.

1 Corinthians 12: 31-13:13
The greatest of God’s gifts is love.

Luke 4: 21-30
Jesus enrages his audience by telling them his mission is not restricted to them.

Nehemiah 8: 2-6. 8-10
Ezra the Priest reads and explains the Law to the people, assuring them that ‘the joy of the Lord is your stronghold’

1 Corinthians 12: 12-30
just as the body is one, though it has many members, so too is Christ. Each member has need of the others with their particular gifts.

Luke 1: 1-4, 4: 14-21
Luke introduces his Gospel and then records Jesus’ initial teaching at Nazareth, a summary of his entire ministry.

Micah 5: 1-4
A child will be born out of Bethlehem Ephrathah, who will establish a kingdom of peace to the ends of the earth.

Hebrews 10: 5-10
Christ abolishes the ritual sacrifices of the law by offering his own body.

Luke 1: 39-45
Mary sets out as quickly as possible to visit her cousin Elizabeth.  When she greets Elizabeth the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy.



Zephaniah 3: 14-18
After warning against the coming day of judgement, the prophet encourages the people to rejoice because God is among them and salvation is near

Philippians 4: 4-7
Paul is in prison because of his work for the Lord but concentrates only on his love and concern for the Christians in Philippi.

Luke 3: 10-18
John the Baptist teaches the people how to change their lives in preparation for the coming of Christ.

Baruch 5: 1-9
The Lord reaches out to his people, who are challenged to welcome the Lord with joy and remove every barrier to his presence in their lives.

Philippians 1: 3-6. 8-11
When Paul calls the people of Philippi to mind and prays for them, he does so with joy.  He urges them to increase in love for each other.

Luke 3: 1-6
John the Baptist is firmly rooted in human history and geography as he is about to begin his ministry.