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| "The Annunciation" -- by James Tissot |
FIRST
READING: Isaiah
9: 1 - 6
1
But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former
time he brought into contempt the land of Zeb'ulun and the land of
Naph'tali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of
the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who
dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
3
Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they
rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when
they divide the spoil.
4
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod
of his oppressor, thou hast broken as on the day of Mid'ian.
5
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every
garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6
For to us a child is born, to 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."
PSALM:
Psalms 113:
1 - 8
1
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of
the LORD!
2
Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for
evermore!
3
From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to
be praised!
4
The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
5
Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
6
who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth?
7
He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash
heap,
8
to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
GOSPEL:
Luke 1:
26 - 38
26
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of
Galilee named Nazareth,
27
to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28
And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is
with you!"
29
But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her
mind what sort of greeting this might be.
30
And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favor with God.
31
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you
shall call his name Jesus.
32
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and
the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33
and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his
kingdom there will be no end."
34
And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no
husband?"
35
And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the
child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
36
And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also
conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called
barren.
37
For with God nothing will be impossible."
38
And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be
to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
