ICCEC Sunday Lectionary Year B - CEC North America...length of readings, sequence, thematic...

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ICCEC

Sunday Lectionary

Year B

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Scripture readings are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary,

The New King James Version.

The responsorial psalms were constructed from the psalm of the day.

ICCEC feast days were included, and some other feast days

were placed into the addendum. Minor edits to the RCL

were occasionally allowed for formatting purposes, including:

length of readings, sequence, thematic coherence,

and for occasional deference to the Anglican or Roman lectionary,

when these alternative readings were more sensible.

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FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

The Collect

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on

the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son

Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he

shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the

dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 64:1-9

1Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That

the mountains might shake at Your presence- 2As fire burns brushwood, As

fire causes water to boil- To make Your name known to Your adversaries,

That the nations may tremble at Your presence! 3When You did awesome

things for which we did not look, You came down, The mountains shook at

Your presence. 4For since the beginning of the world men have not heard

nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who

acts for the one who waits for Him. 5You meet him who rejoices and does

righteousness, Who remembers You in Your ways. You are indeed angry, for

we have sinned- In these ways we continue; And we need to be saved. 6But

we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness is like filthy rags;

We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away. 7And there is no one who calls on Your name, Who stirs himself up to take

hold of You; For You have hidden Your face from us, And have consumed us

because of our iniquities. 8But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the

clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. 9Do not be

furious, O LORD, Nor remember iniquity forever; Indeed, please look-we all

are Your people!

Reader: The Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

4

Psalm 80

Response: Cause Your face to shine on us,

And we shall be saved!

1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,

You who lead Joseph like a flock;

You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth! 2Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,

Stir up Your strength,

And come and save us!



4O LORD God of hosts,

How long will You be angry

Against the prayer of Your people? 6You have made us a strife to our neighbors,

And our enemies laugh among themselves.



8You have brought a vine out of Egypt;

You have cast out the nations, and planted it. 9You prepared room for it,

And caused it to take deep root,

And it filled the land.



5

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

1Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and

Sosthenes our brother, 2To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those

who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every

place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3Grace

to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I thank

my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you

by Christ Jesus, 5that you were enriched in everything by Him in all

utterance and all knowledge, 6even as the testimony of Christ was

confirmed in you, 7so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the

revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8who will also confirm you to the end,

that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is

faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus

Christ our Lord.



Gospel Reading

Mark 13:33-37

33Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34It is

like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to

his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to

watch. 35Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the

house is coming-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster,

or in the morning- 36lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37And what

I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord

People: Praise to you Lord Christ

6

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Collect

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance

and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings

and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ

our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 40:1-11

1"Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" Says your God. 2" Speak comfort to

Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is

pardoned; For she has received from the LORD's hand Double for all her

sins." 3The voice of one crying in the wilderness: " Prepare the way of the

LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. 4Every valley

shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked

places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth; 5The glory of

the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the

mouth of the LORD has spoken." 6The voice said, "Cry out!" And he said,

"What shall I cry?" " All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower

of the field. 7The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the

LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers, the

flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." 9O Zion, You who

bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, You who

bring good tidings, Lift up your voice with strength, Lift it up, be not afraid;

Say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" 10Behold, the Lord GOD shall

come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His

reward is with Him, And His work before Him. 11He will feed His flock like a

shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His

bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.



7

Psalm 85

Response: When Your kingdom comes down from heaven,

Your glory will dwell in the land.

1LORD, You have been favorable to Your land;

You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people;

You have covered all their sin.



6Will You not revive us again,

That Your people may rejoice in You? 7Show us Your mercy, LORD,

And grant us Your salvation.



8I will hear what God the LORD will speak,

For He will speak peace to His people and to His saints;

But let them not turn back to folly. 9Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

That glory may dwell in our land.



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Second Reading

2 Peter 3:8-15

8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as

a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slack

concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering

toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to

repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in

which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will

melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be

burned up. 11Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what

manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12looking

for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the

heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with

fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new

heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14Therefore,

beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in

peace, without spot and blameless; 15and consider that the longsuffering of

our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the

wisdom given to him, has written to you.



Gospel Reading

Mark 1:1-8

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2As it is

written in the Prophets: " Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,

Who will prepare Your way before You." 3" The voice of one crying in the

wilderness: ' Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.'" 4John

came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for

the remission of sins. 5Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem,

went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River,

confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a

leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he

preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose

sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8I indeed baptized

you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."



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THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

The Collect

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and,

because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and

mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom,

with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 61:1-4,10-11

1"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me

To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the

brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the

prison to those who are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the

LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3To

console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of

joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That

they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that

He may be glorified." 4And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise

up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The

desolations of many generations.

10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For

He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with

the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11For as the earth brings forth

its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,

So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before

all the nations.



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Psalm 126

Response: The LORD has done great things for us,

And we are glad with expectation.

1When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion,

We were like those who dream. 2Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

And our tongue with singing.



4Bring back our captivity, O LORD,

As the streams in the South. 5Those who sow in tears

Shall reap in joy.



6He who continually goes forth weeping,

Bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

Bringing his sheaves with him.



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Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in everything give thanks; for

this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies. 21Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil. 23Now may the God of peace Himself

sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be

preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls

you is faithful, who also will do it.



Gospel Reading

John 1:6-8,19-28

6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7This man came

for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might

believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

19Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites

from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20He confessed, and did not

deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21And they asked him, "What

then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he

answered, "No." 22Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give

an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" 23He

said: "I am ' The voice of one crying in the wilderness: " Make straight the

way of the LORD,"' as the prophet Isaiah said." 24Now those who were sent

were from the Pharisees. 25And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you

baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26John

answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among

you whom you do not know. 27It is He who, coming after me, is preferred

before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose." 28These things

were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.



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FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

The Collect

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son

Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself;

who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now

and forever. Amen

First Reading

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16

1Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the

LORD had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2that the king said

to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of

God dwells inside tent curtains." 3Then Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all

that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you." 4But it happened that night

that the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, 5"Go and tell My servant

David, 'Thus says the LORD: "Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? 6For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of

Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and

in a tabernacle. 7Wherever I have moved about with all the children of

Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom

I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, 'Why have you not built

Me a house of cedar?'"' 8Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant

David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from

following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. 9And I have

been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies

from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the

great men who are on the earth. 10Moreover I will appoint a place for My

people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their

own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them

anymore, as previously, 11since the time that I commanded judges to be

over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies.

Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house. 16And your house

and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall

be established forever.""



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Psalm 89

Response: Your throne is established for all generations.

1I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;

With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. 2For I have said, "Mercy shall be built up forever;

Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens."


3"I have made a covenant with My chosen,

I have sworn to My servant David: 4'Your seed I will establish forever,

And build up your throne to all generations.'


19Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one,

And said: "I have given help to one who is mighty;

I have exalted one chosen from the people. 20I have found My servant David;

With My holy oil I have anointed him.


25Also I will set his hand over the sea,

And his right hand over the rivers. 26He shall cry to Me, 'You are my Father,

My God, and the rock of my salvation.'


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Second Reading

Romans 16:25-27

25Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the

preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept

secret since the world began 26but now made manifest, and by the

prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the

commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith- 27to God,

alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.



Gospel Reading

Luke 1:26-38

26Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of

Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was

Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28And having

come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with

you; blessed are you among women!" 29But when she saw him, she was

troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found

favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring

forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32He will be great, and will be

called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of

His father David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of

His kingdom there will be no end." 34Then Mary said to the angel, "How can

this be, since I do not know a man?" 35And the angel answered and said to

her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will

overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be

called the Son of God. 36Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also

conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who

was called barren. 37For with God nothing will be impossible." 38Then Mary

said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your

word." And the angel departed from her.



15

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD - CHRISTMAS EVE

The Collect

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the

true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on

earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy

Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 52:7-10

7 How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation,

Who says to Zion,

“Your God reigns!” 8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices,

With their voices they shall sing together;

For they shall see eye to eye

When the LORD brings back Zion. 9 Break forth into joy, sing together,

You waste places of Jerusalem!

For the LORD has comforted His people,

He has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The LORD has made bare His holy arm

In the eyes of all the nations;

And all the ends of the earth shall see

The salvation of our God.



16

Psalm 96

Response: The Son of God is Good News for all peoples.

1Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!

Sing to the LORD, all the earth. 3Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all peoples.


9Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!

Tremble before Him, all the earth. 10Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns;

The world also is firmly established,

It shall not be moved;

He shall judge the peoples righteously."


11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.

Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice 13before the LORD.


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Second Reading

Hebrews 1:1-5a

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the

fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,

whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the

worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His

person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by

Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance

obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For to which of the angels did

He ever say: " You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”?



Gospel Reading

Luke 2:1-14

1And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar

Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This census first took

place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3So all went to be registered,

everyone to his own city. 4Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city

of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,

because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with

Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6So it was, that while they

were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she

brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and

laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8Now

there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping

watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood

before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were

greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11For there

is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling

cloths, lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a

multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14" Glory to God in

the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"



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NATIVITY OF OUR LORD - CHRISTMAS DAY

The Collect

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son

Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may

with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 9:2-7

2The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who

dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; They rejoice before

You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the

spoil. 4For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his

shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5For every

warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be

used for burning and fuel of fire. 6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son

is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will

be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of

Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish

it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The

zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.



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Psalm 98

Response: The LORD has made His salvation known;

His righteousness He has revealed.

1 Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!

For He has done marvelous things;

His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. 2 The LORD has made known His salvation;

His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.



3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;

Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.



5 Sing to the LORD with the harp,

With the harp and the sound of a psalm, 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn;

Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.



20

Second Reading

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It

teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-

controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for

the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior,

Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is

good.



Gospel Reading

John 1:1-14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word

was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made

through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him

was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the

darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent

from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear

witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that

Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light

which gives light to every man coming into the world.10 He was in the world,

and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as

received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to

those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the

will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became

flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only

begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.



21

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

The Collect

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate

Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our

lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the

unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3

10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

My soul shall be joyful in my God;

For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud,

As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,

So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before

all the nations.

1 For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace,

And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,

Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,

And her salvation as a lamp that burns. 2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,

And all kings your glory.

You shall be called by a new name,

Which the mouth of the LORD will name. 3 You shall also be a crown of glory

In the hand of the LORD,

And a royal diadem

In the hand of your God.



22

Psalm 148

Response: Let all God's creation give praise for the LORD.

1Praise the LORD from the heavens;

Praise Him in the heights! 2 Praise Him, all His angels;

Praise Him, all His hosts!


7 Praise the LORD from the earth,

You great sea creatures and all the depths; 8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;

Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;


11 Kings of the earth and all peoples;

Princes and all judges of the earth; 12 Both young men and maidens;

Old men and children.


13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,

For His name alone is exalted;

His glory is above the earth and heaven. 14 And He has exalted the horn of His people,

The praise of all His saints—


23

Second Reading

Galatians 4:4-7

4But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born

of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law,

that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons,

God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba,

Father!" 7Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then

an heir of God through Christ.



Gospel Reading

Luke 2:22-32

22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were

completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as

it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall

be called holy to the LORD”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is

said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and

this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the

Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy

Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought

in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he

took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,

According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”



24

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

The Collect

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the

dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who

humbled himself to share our humanity, you Son Jesus Christ; who lives

and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and

ever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 40:27-31

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,

And speak, O Israel:

“My way is hidden from the LORD,

And my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the LORD,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.



25

Psalm 147

Response: It is God who rules; and who heals and restores.

1 Praise the LORD!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. 2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;

He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.


3 He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars;

He calls them all by name.


15 He sends out His command to the earth;

His word runs very swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes;


17 He casts out His hail like morsels;

Who can stand before His cold? 18 He sends out His word and melts them;

He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.


26

Second Reading

Ephesians 1:3-6

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed

us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He

chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy

and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption

as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His

will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted

in the Beloved.



Gospel Reading

Luke 2:41-52

41 Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according

to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they

returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His

mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company,

they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and

acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to

Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found

Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to

them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished

at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were

amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us?

Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them,

“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s

business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to

them. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was

subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And

Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.



27

EPIPHANY SUNDAY

The Collect

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoples

of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where

we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 60:1-6

1Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen

upon you. 2For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep

darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be

seen upon you. 3The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the

brightness of your rising. 4" Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all

gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, and

your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5Then you shall see and

become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance

of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to

you. 6The multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of

Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold

and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD.



28

Psalm 72

Response: Lord, every nation on earth will worship you.

1Give the king Your judgments, O God,

And Your righteousness to the king's Son. 2He will judge Your people with righteousness,

And Your poor with justice.


11Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him;

All nations shall serve Him. 12For He will deliver the needy when he cries,

The poor also, and him who has no helper.


15And He shall live;

And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him;

Prayer also will be made for Him continually,

And daily He shall be praised.


17His name shall endure forever;

His name shall continue as long as the sun.

And men shall be blessed in Him;

All nations shall call Him blessed.


29

Second Reading

Ephesians 3:1-12

1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles- 2if

indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was

given to me for you, 3how that by revelation He made known to me the

mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4by which, when you read, you

may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5which in other

ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed

by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6that the Gentiles should be

fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ

through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of

the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given,

that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the

beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things

through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God

might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the

heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished

in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with

confidence through faith in Him.



30

Gospel Reading

Matthew 2:1-12

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the

king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where

is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the

East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with

him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the

people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the

prophet: 6 ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

For out of you shall come a Ruler

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from

them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and

said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have

found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they

had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where

the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with

exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw

the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.

And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him:

gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to

Herod, they departed for their own country another way.



31

Feast of The Baptism of our Lord

The Collect

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan

proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit:

Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they

have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and

the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 42:1-7

1 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,

My Elect One in whom My soul delights!

I have put My Spirit upon Him;

He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,

Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break,

And smoking flax He will not quench;

He will bring forth justice for truth. 4 He will not fail nor be discouraged,

Till He has established justice in the earth;

And the coastlands shall wait for His law.” 5 Thus says God the LORD,

Who created the heavens and stretched them out,

Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it,

Who gives breath to the people on it,

And spirit to those who walk on it: 6“ I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness,

And will hold Your hand;

I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,

As a light to the Gentiles, 7 To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison,

Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.



32

Psalm 29

Response: The voice of the LORD is God's glory and power.

1Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,

Give unto the LORD glory and strength. 2Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.


3The voice of the LORD is over the waters;

The God of glory thunders;

The LORD is over many waters. 4The voice of the LORD is powerful;

The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.


8The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;

The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. 9The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,

And strips the forests bare;

And in His temple everyone says, "Glory!"


10The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,

And the LORD sits as King forever. 11The LORD will give strength to His people;

The LORD will bless His people with peace.


33

Second Reading

Acts 10:34-38 (Option A)

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God

shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works

righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the

children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and

began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God

anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went

about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God

was with Him.



Acts 19:1-7 (Option B)

1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed

through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he

said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy

Spirit.”

3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”

So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance,

saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after

him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them,

and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about

twelve in all.



34

Gospel Reading

Mark 1:4-11

4John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of

repentance for the remission of sins. 5Then all the land of Judea, and those

from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan

River, confessing their sins.

6Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his

waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he preached, saying, "There

comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not

worthy to stoop down and loose. 8I indeed baptized you with water, but He

will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

9It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee,

and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And immediately, coming up from

the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him

like a dove. 11Then a voice came from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in

whom I am well pleased."



35

Feast of our Lord the Giver of Life: Third Sunday in January

The Collect

Oh Great King of Kings, let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven

for the sanctity of all human life. You have said that your Kingdom is

righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Where there is

unrighteousness let righteousness come to bear; where there is hostility,

cause your peace to reign supreme and where there is sorrow, bring joy in

the hearts of people. Lead us into your unshakable and everlasting kingdom

in which you reign forever and ever, that truly the kingdoms of this world

will become the Kingdoms of our God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

First Reading

Jeremiah 31:10-17

10“ Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,

And declare it in the isles afar off, and say,

‘ He who scattered Israel will gather him,

And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ 11 For the LORD has redeemed Jacob,

And ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he. 12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion,

Streaming to the goodness of the LORD—

For wheat and new wine and oil,

For the young of the flock and the herd;

Their souls shall be like a well-watered garden,

And they shall sorrow no more at all. 13“ Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance,

And the young men and the old, together;

For I will turn their mourning to joy,

Will comfort them,

And make them rejoice rather than sorrow. 14 I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance,

And My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the LORD.” 15 Thus says the LORD: “ A voice was heard in Ramah,

Lamentation and bitter weeping,

Rachel weeping for her children,

Refusing to be comforted for her children,

Because they are no more.”

16 Thus says the LORD: (continued)

36

“ Refrain your voice from weeping,

And your eyes from tears;

For your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD,

And they shall come back from the land of the enemy. 17 There is hope in your future, says the LORD,

That your children shall come back to their own border.



Psalm 10

Response: Arise Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,

who are caught in the schemes he devises.

He boasts of the cravings of his heart, he blesses the greedy

and reviles the Lord


He lies in wait near the villages;

from an ambush he murders the innocent,

He lies in wait like a lion in cover;

he lies in wait to catch the helpless.


You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;

you encourage them and hear their cry,

Defending the fatherless and the oppressed,

so that the earthly man may terrify no more.


37

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 15:19-26

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most

pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the

firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death,

by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die,

even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order:

Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then

comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He

puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till

He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be

destroyed is death.



Gospel Reading

Matthew 18:1-5

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in

the kingdom of heaven?”

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and

said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little

children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore

whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of

heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.



38

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

The Collect

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world:

Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine

with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and

obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with

you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19

1Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of

the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2And

it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when

his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3and before the

lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God

was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4that the LORD called Samuel. And

he answered, "Here I am!" 5So he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you

called me." And he said, "I did not call; lie down again." And he went and

lay down. 6Then the LORD called yet again, "Samuel!" So Samuel arose and

went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." He answered, "I did

not call, my son; lie down again." 7(Now Samuel did not yet know the

LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him.) 8And the LORD

called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said,

"Here I am, for you did call me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD had

called the boy. 9Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and it shall be,

if He calls you, that you must say, 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.'"

So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10Now the LORD came and stood

and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered,

"Speak, for Your servant hears." .

19So Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words

fall to the ground. 20And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel

had been established as a prophet of the LORD.



39

Psalm 139

Response: O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

1O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off. 3You comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways.


4For there is not a word on my tongue,

But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. 5You have hedged me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.


13For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother's womb. 14I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.


40

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 6:13b -20

Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for

the body. 14And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His

power. 15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I

then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot?

Certainly not! 16Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one

body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh." 17But he

who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18Flee sexual immorality.

Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual

immorality sins against his own body. 19Or do you not know that your body

is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,

and you are not your own? 20For you were bought at a price; therefore

glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.



Gospel Reading

John 1:43-51

43The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and

said to him, "Follow Me." 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of

Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have

found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote-Jesus of

Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything

good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47Jesus

saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite

indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know

me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you

were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49Nathanael answered and said to Him,

"Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50Jesus

answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig

tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." 51And He said

to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open,

and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."



41

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

The Collect

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ

and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the

whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and

reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

First Reading

Jonah 3:1-5,10

1Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2"Arise,

go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you." 3So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD.

Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. 4And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk. Then he cried out

and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" 5So the people

of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the

greatest to the least of them. 10Then God saw their works, that they turned

from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He

would bring upon them, and He did not do it.



42

Psalm 62

Response: My soul waits for God;

From Him comes my salvation.

1 Truly my soul silently waits for God;

From Him comes my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation;

He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.



7In God is my salvation and my glory;

The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.



11God has spoken once,

Twice I have heard this:

That power belongs to God. 12Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;

For You render to each one according to his work.



43

Second Reading


29But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those

who have wives should be as though they had none, 30those who weep as

though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice,

those who buy as though they did not possess, 31and those who use this

world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.



Gospel Reading

Mark 1:14-20

14Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the

gospel of the kingdom of God, 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the

kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." 16And as He

walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting

a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17Then Jesus said to them,

"Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." 18They

immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19When He had gone a little

farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,

who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20And immediately He called

them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants,

and went after Him.



44

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on

earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant

us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You

and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

First Reading

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

15"The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your

midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, 16according to all you

desired of the LORD your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying,

'Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, nor let me see this

great fire anymore, lest I die.' 17"And the LORD said to me: 'What they have

spoken is good. 18I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among

their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to

them all that I command Him. 19And it shall be that whoever will not hear

My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him. 20But the

prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not

commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that

prophet shall die.'



45

Psalm 111

Response: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

1Praise the LORD!

I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,

In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. 2The works of the LORD are great,

Studied by all who have pleasure in them.


3His work is honorable and glorious,

And His righteousness endures forever. 4He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.


5He has given food to those who fear Him;

He will ever be mindful of His covenant. 6He has declared to His people the power of His works,

In giving them the heritage of the nations.


10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.

His praise endures forever.


46

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 8:1-3, 10-13

1Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have

knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2And if anyone thinks that

he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3But if

anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

10For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will

not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things

offered to idols? 11And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother

perish, for whom Christ died? 12But when you thus sin against the brethren,

and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if

food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my

brother stumble.



Gospel Reading

Mark 1:21-28

21Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He

entered the synagogue and taught. 22And they were astonished at His

teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the

scribes. 23Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit.

And he cried out, 24saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You,

Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are-the

Holy One of God!" 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out

of him!" 26And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with

a loud voice, he came out of him. 27Then they were all amazed, so that they

questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? What new doctrine is

this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they

obey Him." 28And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region

around Galilee



47

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

The Collect

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of

that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior

Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 40:21-24, 27-31

21Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from

the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like

grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads

them out like a tent to dwell in. 23He brings the princes to nothing; He

makes the judges of the earth useless. 24Scarcely shall they be planted,

Scarcely shall they be sown, Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth,

When He will also blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will

take them away like stubble.

27Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: " My way is hidden from

the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God"? 28Have you not

known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of

the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is

unsearchable. 29He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no

might He increases strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall, 31But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They

shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.



48

Psalm 147

Response: Praise God for His Word and Providence

1 Praise the LORD!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. 2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;

He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.


3 He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars;

He calls them all by name.


15 He sends out His command to the earth;

His word runs very swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes;


17 He casts out His hail like morsels;

Who can stand before His cold? 18 He sends out His word and melts them;

He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.


49

Second Reading


16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid

upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17For if I do this

willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with

a stewardship. 18What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I

may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my

authority in the gospel. 19For though I am free from all men, I have made

myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20and to the Jews I

became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as

under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21to those

who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but

under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22to

the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all

things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23Now this I do for

the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.



Gospel Reading

Mark 1:32-39

32At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick

and those who were demon-possessed. 33And the whole city was gathered

together at the door. 34Then He healed many who were sick with various

diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to

speak, because they knew Him. 35Now in the morning, having risen a long

while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and

there He prayed. 36And Simon and those who were with Him searched for

Him. 37When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for

You." 38But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may

preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth." 39And He

was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out

demons.



50

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

The Collect

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our

prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you,

give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may

please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

First Reading

2 Kings 5:1-8

1Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great

and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had

given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2And

the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young

girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman's wife. 3Then she said to

her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria!

For he would heal him of his leprosy." 4And Naaman went in and told his

master, saying, "Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel." 5Then the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of

Israel." So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand

shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6Then he brought the letter to

the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to

you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of

his leprosy. 7And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that

he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this

man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please

consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me." 8So it was, when Elisha

the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he

sent to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him

come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel."



51

Psalm 30

Response: The LORD's salvation is to be known and remembered.

2O LORD my God, I cried out to You,

And You healed me. 3O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave;

You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,

And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.


6 Now in my prosperity I said,

“I shall never be moved.” 7 LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;

You hid Your face, and I was troubled. 8 I cried out to You, O LORD;

And to the LORD I made supplication:


9"What profit is there in my blood,

When I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise You?

Will it declare Your truth? 10Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;

LORD, be my helper!"


52

Second Reading


24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the

prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25And everyone who

competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a

perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26Therefore I run thus:

not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27But I

discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached

to others, I myself should become disqualified.



Gospel Reading

Mark 1:40-45

40Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and

saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." 41Then Jesus,

moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said

to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." 42As soon as He had spoken,

immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43And He strictly

warned him and sent him away at once, 44and said to him, "See that you

say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and

offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a

testimony to them." 45However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely,

and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the

city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every

direction.



53

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

The Collect

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth

nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift,

which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which

whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your

only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one

God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading

Isaiah 43:18-25

18" Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know

it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. 20The

beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I

give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My

people, My chosen. 21This people I have formed for Myself; They shall

declare My praise. 22" But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; And you

have been weary of Me, O Israel. 23You have not brought Me the sheep for

your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have

not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense. 24You have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me

with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins,

You have wearied Me with your iniquities. 25" I, even I, am He who blots out

your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.



54

Psalm 41

Response: The LORD, our God, will surely save us.

1Blessed is he who considers the poor;

The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. 2The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive,

And he will be blessed on the earth;

You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.


3The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness;

You will sustain him on his sickbed. 4I said, "LORD, be merciful to me;

Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You."


11 By this I know that You are well pleased with me,

Because my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 As for me, You uphold me in my integrity,

And set me before Your face forever.


55

Second Reading


18But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. 19For the Son

of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us-by me, Silvanus,

and Timothy-was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20For all the promises

of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a

guarantee.



Gospel Reading

Mark 2:1-12

1And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that

He was in the house. 2Immediately many gathered together, so that there

was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He

preached the word to them. 3Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic

who was carried by four men. 4And when they could not come near Him

because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they

had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. 5When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are

forgiven you." 6And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in

their hearts, 7"Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can

forgive sins but God alone?" 8But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His

spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do

you reason about these things in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the

paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed

and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on

earth to forgive sins"-He said to the paralytic, 11"I say to you, arise, take up

your bed, and go to your house." 12Immediately he arose, took up the bed,

and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and

glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"



56

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

The Collect

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to

fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for

us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of

this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal,

and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord;

who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, on God, now

and forever. Amen

First Reading

Hosea 2:19-23

19“ I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me

In righteousness and justice, In loving-kindness and mercy; 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,

And you shall know the LORD. 21“ It shall come to pass in that day

That I will answer,” says the LORD;

“ I will answer the heavens,

And they shall answer the earth. 22 The earth shall answer

With grain,

With new wine,

And with oil;

They shall answer Jezreel. 23 Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth,

And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy;

Then I will say to those who were not My people,

‘ You are My people!’

And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’”



57

Psalm 103

Response: The LORD our God is merciful and gracious.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us,

Nor will He keep His anger forever.


10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him


12 As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children,

So the LORD pities those who fear Him.


58

Second Reading

2 Corinthians 3:17-4:2

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is

liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory

of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,

just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do

not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not

walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by

manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience

in the sight of God.


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ICCEC Sunday Lectionary Year B - CEC North America...length of readings, sequence, thematic...

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