Christmas Eve

O God, You gladden us with the yearly expectation of our redemption. Grant that we, who now joyfully receive Your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also behold Him without fear when He comes to be our judge; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

    the world and those who dwell therein,

2 for he has founded it upon the seas

    and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

    And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

    who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord

    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.[b] Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!

    And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory?

    The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!

9 Lift up your heads, O gates!

    And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is this King of glory?

    The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

Psalm 24 – English Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary

(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading)

Isaiah 59:15-21 – Philippians 2:5-11 – Matt 1:18-25