Christmas Eve

God of surprises, let us be your Christ-bearer, your servant, your deacon in this world grown too distracting and complicated. Make us ready for the gifts you give, the grace you impart, the opportunities you make available to help us grow in holiness. Grant that our eyes might be open to see, our ears to listen, our hearts to love, and our mouths to laugh with delight and joy when our awareness of your presence informs any moment of the day. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord,* for ever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
2 I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever;
your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
3 You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to my servant David:
4 “I will establish your descendants for ever,
and build your throne for all generations.” ’
5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones.
6 For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
Psalm 89 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)
Baruch 4:36-5:9 - Galatians 3:23-47 - Matthew 1:18-25