Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025

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 for ever. Amen.

THE LESSON

Isaiah 9:2-7
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those
who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined. You
have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice
before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing
plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their
shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day
of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the
garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a
child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow
continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David
and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with
righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of
the LORD of hosts will do this.

THE GOSPEL

LUKE 2:1-20

Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
(Please Remain Standing)
Narrator: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the
world should be registered. This was the first registration and was
taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own
towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth
in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he
was descended from the house and family of David. Joseph went to
be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged, and who was
expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to
deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn.
HYMN Away in a manger, no crib for his bed