First Sunday after Christmas: 30 December

During the 12 Days of Christmas, we remember how Jesus came into the world, to show us the way, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  We should go and do likewise.

Torah:  Genesis 4:1-5:32

Prophet:  Joshua 11:1-12:23

Writing:  Sirach 10:1-11:28

Psalm:  49

Epistle:  Gal 3:23-4:7

Gospel:  Mt. 1:18-25

Collect:  Emanuel, you are the power which created the fiery sun and stars, the galaxies, and all that there is, yet you humbled yourself to be carried in the womb for nine months, and to be a little child, that you could dwell with us and be like us in all aspects save sin.  Grant, Adonai, that we may fully appreciate what you did for us, that we would learn to humble ourselves in your sight, and truly allow Yeshua to be our guide.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh in glory everlasting.  Amen.

24 December: Sacrificial Lord, your incarnation continues to startle the world. There are still those who question the divine mystery of your birth. Those who are touched by your intervention in their lives hail you as their King and Savior. We prepare to welcome you anew this Nativity celebration. This we do in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs  with you in Shekina glory everlasting.  Amen. (violet, gold after Sundown)

25 December:  At your birth upon this earth, Lord we adore you. We worship you and we bless you for indeed you are King of kings and Lord of lords. We receive you anew this day not as the child in the manger, but as our true Savior and Lord. Amen. (gold)

26 December:  Emanuel, you raised up your servant Stephan to a ministry of service and to preach the Gospel.  Teach us like him to forgive those who persecute us, and to be faithful in service and proclaiming your kingdom, this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (red)

27 December:  Emanuel, you raised up John to proclaim the Gospel, to reveal that you are love, and to be Bishop of Ephesus.  Help us to so love one another that the world would see you in us and our behaviour and come to know you as Lord, and Saviour:   this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (white)

28 December:  Emmanuel, as we remember the lives and deaths of those who died when Herod was attempting to kill you, help us to resist tyrants, and to stand strong against those forces today which would destroy innocent lives, whether through neglect or intent:  this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (red)

29 December: Emmanuel, you raised up Thomas  Becket to protect the church against the authorities of this world.  Help us to remember that the church must be in subjection to you and your word, and not to the authorities or whims of this world:  this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (red)