Christmas Eve

Readings for Friday December 24, 2010

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89
Gospel: Luke 1:67-79


Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Lk 1:67-79)

Father above, we thank you and praise for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for becoming one of us to save us from our sins, and for giving us a way back to you. Lord, your love and mercy are endless, help us to never leave or veer from your arms. Lord, you have plans for each of us, plans beyond our wildest dreams, helps us to submit to your perfect will. We pray for spiritual growth and renewal at the close of this Advent season and the start of this Christmas season. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.