The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us. O come, let us worship. Alleluia
1 John 2.12-17
I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
because you have conquered the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
because you are strong
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever.
Psalm 96.7-9
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Worship the Lord in holy splendour;
tremble before him, all the earth.
Luke 2.36-40
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
We pray you, Lord, to purify our hearts that they may be worthy to become your dwelling place. Let us never fail to find room for you, but come and abide in us that we also may abide in you, who as at this time was born into the world for us, and lives and reigns, King of kings and Lord of lords, now and for evermore.
—William Temple.
Maspindzeli Choir, Nabakeuri Alilo. Christmas song from Imereti, Georgia. From a concert live streamed on 15 October 2021 at Wigmore Hall.
John Rutter. The Shepherd's Pipe Carol. The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia.
May the Lord, who has called out of darkness into his marvellous light, bless us and fill us with peace. Amen.