Here are the December 2023 Bible readings which we’ll be using in our two churches. Please make use of these readings and reflect on what they might be saying to you as we move into Advent and the run up to Christmas.
The readings
Isaiah, sometimes called the Fifth Gospel, gets to say a lot in December. He gives us images of the potter and the clay; valleys lifted up and mountains made low; a garland instead of ashes; and garments of salvation. In the Gospels we have lessons from a fig tree; paths being made straight; a voice in the wilderness; Mary perplexed but saying “yes”; and shepherds rushing to see the child lying in the manger.
- Dec 3 – 1st of Advent: Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-end;
- Dec 10 – 2nd of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8;
- Dec 17 – 3rd of Advent: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-end; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28;
- Dec 24 – 4th of Advent: 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16; Romans 16:25-end; Luke 1:26-38;
- Dec 32 – 1st of Christmas: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:15-21;
If you don’t have access to a Bible, then please follow this link to the Vanderbilt Divinity Library. It’s not always the same but it’s normally not far off.
The December 2023 Bible readings include these words from Paul to the Thessalonians…
Rejoice
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.
May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
Thanks again to Olivia Snow for the photo on Unsplash