Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked. Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
Responsorial
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! The LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Gospel
Lk 2:22-35
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
Responsorial Psalm
124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8
R. (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Had not the LORD been with us— When men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us. R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Then would the waters have overwhelmed us; The torrent would have swept over us; over us then would have swept the raging waters. R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.
Gospel
Mt 2:13-18
When the magi had departed, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
Out of Egypt I called my son.
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
May these prayers for the New Year bring you comfort and gratitude for another year on earth and fill your heart with hope for the coming year.
The arrival of a new year brings a great opportunity to renew our faith and love for God and Jesus. It’s also a wonderful time to renew the joy of salvation in our hearts, as a new creation in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Whether 2024 brought you success, fulfillment, and joy or you faced grief, setbacks, and struggle, you can look ahead to 2025 with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
New Year Prayers for 2025
Let’s end this year with a thankful heart and start the new year with peace and faith. Let us release the bitterness and frustrations of the past year. Let us move into the next year knowing that God loves us and wants the best for us. Let’s pray that the new year will be focused on healing ourselves through repentance and the renewing of our minds. We were not meant to do life alone! We can bring the light of hope into our own heart, home, and world.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” ~ Romans 12:2
May these prayers for the new year bring you comfort and gratitude as you step into the next year! Share them with your friends and family to inspire the hearts of those you love most. God Bless!
Heavenly Father, thank You for making all things new! As another new year begins, help me live each day for You. May I continually have a new song in my heart to sing to You, no matter what comes my way. I trust in You because I know that Your mercies are new every morning, and nothing ahead of me will take You by surprise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For Peace in the New Year
At the start of each day, help us to recognize you above all else. Enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see you, and notice how you’re at work through our lives. Give us the wisdom to make the best choices, fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new. Thank you that you are greater than anything we may face in our day. Thank you that your presence goes with us and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances, but it is our true and lasting strength, no matter what we’re up against. We ask that your peace lead us, that it would guard our hearts and minds in you. We ask for your grace to cover our lives this day. We love you Lord…we need you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
For New Beginnings
Dear God, Thank You for new beginnings. What an incredible day this is with a fresh year’s potential stretched out before me. I want to be found faithful this year in each and every opportunity You bring to me. Thank You, Lord, for new beginnings. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
New Year’s Prayer: Name of Jesus
O Jesus, our Savior and our Lord, by the proclamation of your grace, you took the yoke of the law from our necks, and removed the burden from our shoulders to your own; Hear the prayers of your Church, that we may joyfully serve you here, and see your glorious presence in all its joy in the life to come; through your mercy, O our God, you are blessed, and live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.
A Prayer to Keep God First This New Year
Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you’ve allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day. We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you’ve said “no,” “not yet,” or “wait.” We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you’ve put within our hearts. We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. We pray that you’d keep us far from the snares and traps of temptations. That you would whisper in our ear when we need to run and whisper in our heart when we need to stand our ground. We pray for your protection over our families and friends. We ask for your hand to cover us and keep us distanced from the evil intent of the enemy; that you would be a barrier to surround us, that we’d be safe in your hands. We pray that you would give us discernment and insight beyond our years, to understand your will, hear your voice, and know your ways. Amen
New Year Prayer
O God, your days are without beginning and without end. We dedicate this coming year to you. Give us such prosperity as you know is good for us, and make us abound in doing whatever is pleasing to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Strength in the New Year
Lord, moving in a new direction, opposite my comfort, is hard. I need Your strength, Your wisdom, Your confidence. I believe You will empower me as I step out in faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
A Prayer for Hope in the New Year
Dear Lord, As the new year begins, I look to You for our hope, joy, and peace. Give me the courage to do all that You ask of me. Please also make me brave to not do what isn’t from You. Show me how to walk in grace and embrace Your love for me even more. In Jesus’ Name
AMEN
Prayer for Strengthand Power in the Year Ahead
Lord, we ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer for Strengthand Power in the Year Ahead
Lord, we ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer for Grace and Favor in the New Year
We ask that you would provide for our needs, we ask for your grace and favor. We pray for your blessings to cover us, we pray that you would help us to prosper and make every plan that you have birthed in our heart to succeed. We pray that others would take notice of your goodness and could not help but to say, “These are the ones that the Lord has blessed.”
Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set your way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer for Hope After a Difficult Year
Dear God, Thank you for helping us to make it through this difficult year. Thank you that you’ve carried us through the uncertainty of deep waters, through the flames of trials, and through the pain of hard losses. We are constantly aware of how much we need you, your grace, your strength, your power working through even the toughest days.
Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care.
We choose to press in close to you today and keep you first in our hearts and lives. Without You, we would surely fail, but with you, there is great hope. Thank you for your healing power, thank you for bringing us into this new season up ahead. We look forward to all that You still have in store. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
A Prayer for Salvation
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen.
Bible Verses for the New Year
Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Psalm 34:8 – Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Romans 13:11-13 – Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
2 Peter 1:3-10 – His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love…
In the few days, we’ll be saying farewell to this year, and saying welcome to a New Year. Indeed God has been good to us. I want you to know that He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1: 6). God is at work in your life. He will surely glorify His name in you. The Lord is giving us a direction to pray His Word this day. Let the following forty prayers bless you as you draw nigh unto Him and prayerfully walk through the remaining part of this year and walk into the New Year.
Scriptures for Meditation
Hebrews 12:1 –Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 – Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Zechariah 4:6-9 – Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.
Prayers
Thank God for Everything
1. Dear Heavenly Father, I give You thanks from the depth of my heart. You are a good Father. You have been good to me, to my family and to my destiny. Your mercy has seen me through all these months. For this I say, thank You LORD, in Jesus name. (1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 136:1-3).
2. Indeed Father, this is the year You have made. Thank You for giving me joy all through this year. Thank You for surrounding me with Your peace. Thank You for delivering me from the works of darkness. In Jesus name.
3. O LORD, I thank You for all the prayers I have made this year. Thank You for answering all my prayers. There is no prayer of mine that You have not answered. For this I say thank You Lord. In Jesus name.
4. “O LORD, I give You thanks with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word in my life, in Jesus name.” (Psalm 138:1-2 – ERV).
5. Thank You LORD for protecting and preserving my life. Thank You for disallowing the plans of the devil in my life and family this year. Indeed, He who watches over me does not slumber nor sleep. Be thou glorified, in Jesus name.
6. O LORD, thank You for dividing the Red Sea that confronted us during the course of the year. I appreciate You making a way for me to walk in victory throughout this year, in Jesus’ name.
7. Thank You Father for the gift of salvation. For by grace we are saved, not of works, lest any man should boast. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us and helps us at all times. Thank You for the gift of Your Word, through which we know Your will for our lives. Thank You for sending your angels to take charge and keep us in all our ways. In Jesus’ name.
8. Thank You O LORD for providing for us all through the year. You have not allowed us to lack and suffer hunger as You promised in Your Word. Receive our thanks in Jesus name.
9. Thank You Heavenly Father for the Blood of Jesus Christ that washes us from all unrighteousness, and speaks better things for us, even when we do not know it. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that by the reason of your blood, no weapon formed against us prospered and they that gathered together against us and our loved ones were scattered. Be praised forever and ever in Jesus name.
10. O LORD, thank You for the performance of Your Word in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones, and for doing much more than we could ever have asked for, or dream of, during the course of the year, in Jesus’ name.
Receive Forgiveness
11.Father LORD, please forgive every sin I committed knowingly and unknowingly during the year, in Jesus’ name.
12.Forgive me for every door I opened this year as a result of ignorance, carelessness, and compromise, in the name of Jesus Christ.
13.Forgive us for the times I didn’t decrease for You to increase in my life. Forgive me for every sin of pride, loquaciousness, exaggerations, and hardness of heart, in Jesus’ name.
14.Father, please forgive us our trespass of unforgiveness towards others. Forgive me for times when the Holy Spirit spoke to me and I did not pay attention because I was consumed in my own ways. In Jesus’ name.
15.LORD, forgive me for times I doubted You where I was supposed to exercise faith and take steps and bring You glory, in Jesus name.
Grace for Restoration of Lost Opportunities
16.Heavenly Father, please reveal opportunities that I missed this year; grant me the grace to be conscious of future opportunities, in Jesus’ name.
17.Whatever opportunities, blessings, and breakthroughs I have missed in these past months, O LORD, I ask for a seven-fold restoration, in Jesus name.
18.LORD, give me more wisdom and understanding to manifest Your peace, joy, blessings, and prosperity in the remaining part of this year, in Jesus name.
19.Empower me by the Holy Spirit to be kingdom minded and yield to the Leading of the Holy Spirit, all through the remainder part of this year, in Jesus name.
20.Holy Spirit, I ask You for clear and specific direction in my life, family, and ministry henceforth. As the year is coming to an end, please show me areas I need to invest my strengths, sow seeds of love and take steps of faith, for the Glory of God, in Jesus name.
I Shall Finish Strong
21. I declare by faith, during these last days of this year:
I will not die prematurely,
My loved ones shall not die,
Our businesses and ministries shall not die
We will live to declare the glory, power, and faithfulness of God, in Jesus’ name.
22.O LORD, because it is written in Your Word that better is the end of a thing than the beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:8), I decree that this year will end well for me and my household, in Jesus name.
23. I reject bitterness, self-condemnation, and depression as this year ends in Jesus name.
24. It is written in Zechariah 4:9: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it.” Therefore I declare that I shall finish whatever project I began this year well, in Jesus name.
25. From today and into the New Year – I go in Peace! The God of heaven has granted my petition. Every of my entitled blessings for the year, that is still hanging and pending before now, be released and come to me this day, in Jesus name.
Rebuke the works of darkness
26. O LORD, it is written that they shall surely gather together, but not by You: whosoever shall gather together against me shall fall for my sake (Isaiah 54:15). I, therefore, decree this day:
27. Every evil gathering against my life and family this year, scatter in Jesus name
Whatever evil decision or agreement has been reached in the spirit world against me and my loved ones this year, I command them to be frustrated, in Jesus name.
It is also written in Isaiah 54:17 that “No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against me in judgment I shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
Therefore O LORD, I condemn this day every tongue that is speaking evil against me, in Jesus name.
Every evil arrows and weapon projected against my life, my family and my destiny, in this remainder part of the year and into the New Year, I command you to go back to Your senders in Jesus name.
28. As the Lord lives, the last days of this year shall be for me days of supernatural visitation and breakthroughs, in Jesus name.
29. Every agent of darkness and monitoring spirits against my life and my family, I command you all to be bound this day and sent into the abyss in Jesus name.
30. By the Blood of Jesus Christ, I end every evil covenant of finishing badly, in Jesus name. And I decree that this year, I will finish well this year, in Jesus name.
Commit the Coming Year to the LORD
31. Heavenly Father, I commit the coming year into Thy Hands. May it be a year we will live and grow in Thy presence, in Jesus name.
2. 3I declare by faith that the coming year shall be a year of total restoration, total victory and full breakthrough, in Jesus’ name.
33. Every evil waiting for me in the new year, I command you to be destroyed in Jesus name.
34. I decree that from the beginning to the end of the coming year, I shall be like a tree planted by the riverside that bears fruit in its season, whose leaves does not wither. Whatever I do will prosper, in Jesus name (Psalm 1:1-3).
35. Thank You, LORD, for the coming year. I take Thy Word for my life. You shall give me peace, hope and a year full of thy blessings, in Jesus name.
Pray for Others
36. Pray that the sick will be healed
Acts 10:38 – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
There are so many sick people around you and in the hospitals. You may know some by name. Start praying for God’s healing power to be released in their lives.
37. Pray for God to send laborers
Matthew 9:37 – Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; 38 Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.
38. Pray that the Word of God should have entrance into the hearts of men
2 Thessalonians 3:1 – Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.
39. Pray for those in authority
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Pray that God would move in their hearts to exercise their leadership positions for the benefits of the people. Pray that they will be able to resist the power of evil and enable the Gospel to thrive.
40. Pray for the move of God in your community
1 Timothy 2:3-4 – God does not want anyone to perish. So pray for your community. Pray that the Word of God will prevail in the land and that the Gospel will bear fruits of mass salvation and baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life — for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us— what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.
Responsorial Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
R. (12) Rejoice in the Lord, you just! The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are around him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just! The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the LORD of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the LORD, you just, and give thanks to his holy name. R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Gospel Jn 20:1a and 2-8
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Reading I
1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28
In those days Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him. The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vows, Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and to remain there forever; I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite.” Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” Hannah left Samuel there.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5.
R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Reading II
Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17
Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged
Gospel
Lk 2:41-52
Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
See, the LORD proclaims to the ends of the earth: say to daughter Zion, your savior comes! Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. They shall be called the holy people, the redeemed of the LORD, and you shall be called “Frequented,” a city that is not forsaken.
Responsorial Psalm” Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us. The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us. Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the LORD, you just, and give thanks to his holy name. R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Reading II Ti 3:4-7
Beloved: When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk 2:15-20
When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
Reading 1, Second Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 Gospel, Luke 1:67-79
Reading 1, Second Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16
1 Once the king had settled into his palace and Yahweh had granted him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, 2 the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a cedar-wood palace, while the ark of God is under awnings.’ 3 Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do whatever you have in mind, for Yahweh is with you.’ 4 But that very night, the word of Yahweh came to Nathan: 5 ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Yahweh says this: Are you to build me a temple for me to live in? 8 This is what you must say to my servant David, “Yahweh Sabaoth says this: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel; 9 I have been with you wherever you went; I have got rid of all your enemies for you. I am going to make your fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. 10 I am going to provide a place for my people Israel; I shall plant them there, and there they will live and never be disturbed again; nor will they be oppressed by the wicked any more, as they were in former times 11 ever since the time when I instituted judges to govern my people Israel; and I shall grant you rest from all your enemies. Yahweh furthermore tells you that he will make you a dynasty. 16 Your dynasty and your sovereignty will ever stand firm before me and your throne be for ever secure.” ‘
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
2 for you have said: love is built to last for ever, you have fixed your constancy firm in the heavens. 3 ‘I have made a covenant with my Chosen One, sworn an oath to my servant David: 4 I have made your dynasty firm for ever, built your throne stable age after age. 5 The heavens praise your wonders, Yahweh, your constancy in the gathering of your faithful. 27 So I shall make him my first-born, the highest of earthly kings. 28 ‘I shall maintain my faithful love for him always, my covenant with him will stay firm. 29 I have established his dynasty for ever, his throne to be as lasting as the heavens. 29 I have established his dynasty for ever, his throne to be as lasting as the heavens.
Gospel, Luke 1:67-79
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited his people, he has set them free, 69 and he has established for us a saving power in the House of his servant David, 70 just as he proclaimed, by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times, 71 that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all those who hate us, 72 and show faithful love to our ancestors, and so keep in mind his holy covenant. 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, 74 that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies, 75 to serve him in holiness and uprightness in his presence, all our days. 76 And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Highest, for you will go before the Lord to prepare a way for him, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the faithful love of our God in which the rising Sun has come from on high to visit us, 79 to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow dark as death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
1 ‘Look, I shall send my messenger to clear a way before me. And suddenly the Lord whom you seek will come to his Temple; yes, the angel of the covenant, for whom you long, is on his way, says Yahweh Sabaoth.
2 Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like fullers’ alkali.
3 He will take his seat as refiner and purifier; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they can make the offering to Yahweh with uprightness.
4 The offering of Judah and Jerusalemwill then be acceptable to Yahweh as in former days, as in the years of old.
23 ‘Look, I shall send you the prophetElijah before the great and awesome Day of Yahweh comes.
24 He will reconcile parents to their children and children to their parents, to forestall my putting the country under the curse of destruction.’
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
4 DIRECT me in your ways, Yahweh, and teach me your paths.
5 ENCOURAGE me to walk in your truth and teach me since you are the God who saves me. FOR my hope is in you all day long — such is your generosity, Yahweh.
8 INTEGRITY and generosity are marks of Yahweh for he brings sinners back to the path.
9 JUDICIOUSLY he guides the humble, instructing the poor in his way.
10 KINDNESS unfailing and constancy mark all Yahweh’s paths, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
14 ONLY those who fear Yahweh have his secret and his covenant, for their understanding.
Gospel, Luke 1:57-66
57 The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son;
58 and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had lavished on her his faithful love, they shared her joy.
59 Now it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
60 but his mother spoke up. ‘No,’ she said, ‘he is to be called John.’
61 They said to her, ‘But no one in your family has that name,’
62 and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called.
63 The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And they were all astonished.
64 At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God.
65 All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea.
66 All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. ‘What will this child turn out to be?’ they wondered. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.
