Friday, January 7, 2005

Nativity of Christ

Fasting: FastGreat feast of the LordJulian: December 25

Matins Gospel

Matthew 1.18-25

Read in context

18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.Log in to add notes

19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.Log in to add notes

20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.Log in to add notes

21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Log in to add notes

22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,Log in to add notes

23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Log in to add notes

24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:Log in to add notes

25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.Log in to add notes

Epistle — Nativity

Galatians 4.4-7

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4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,Log in to add notes

5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.Log in to add notes

6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.Log in to add notes

7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.Log in to add notes

Epistle

1 Peter 1.1-2; 1 Peter 1.10-12; 1 Peter 2.6-10

Read in context

1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,Log in to add notes

2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.Log in to add notes

10Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:Log in to add notes

11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.Log in to add notes

12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.Log in to add notes

6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.Log in to add notes

7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,Log in to add notes

8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.Log in to add notes

9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Log in to add notes

10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.Log in to add notes

Gospel — Nativity

Matthew 2.1-12

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1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Log in to add notes

2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.Log in to add notes

3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.Log in to add notes

4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.Log in to add notes

5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,Log in to add notes

6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.Log in to add notes

7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.Log in to add notes

8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.Log in to add notes

9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.Log in to add notes

10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.Log in to add notes

11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.Log in to add notes

12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.Log in to add notes

Gospel

Mark 10.23-32

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23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!Log in to add notes

24And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!Log in to add notes

25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.Log in to add notes

26And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?Log in to add notes

27And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.Log in to add notes

28Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.Log in to add notes

29And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,Log in to add notes

30But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.Log in to add notes

31But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.Log in to add notes

32And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,Log in to add notes