First Sunday after Christmas

Please find posted below the proper for the First Sunday after Christmas, 1 January 2006. May the Lord bless you and those whom you love and serve during this Christmastide and throughout the new year of grace.


First Sunday after Christmas:
The Presentation, Circumcision, and Holy Name of Jesus

Prayer:
Almighty Father, through his circumcision your only Son was made a child of Abraham and a member of your people Israel. Given the name above every other name, your Son was acclaimed by Simeon as the light of all nations. As Abraham's spiritual children and members of the new Israel, we ask for the strength of your Spirit, that we may faithfully bear the name of your Son and proclaim him as the Savior of the world. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:

Torah or History:
Genesis 17:9-14
Leviticus 12:1-4
Deuteronomy 30:6
1 Samuel 1:21-28

Psalm 98:4-6

Wisdom:
Psalm 96:7-9
Psalm 97:6-9

Prophets:
Isaiah 29:19-20
Isaiah 61:10

Deuterocanonical:
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 10:14-18

Apostolic Epistle:
Philippians 2:5-11
Colossians 2:8-15

Apostolic Account:
Revelation 21:15-27

Gospel:
Luke 2:21-40

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A, B, and C
Genesis 17:9-14
Psalm 98:4-6
Colossians 2:8-15
Luke 2:21-40

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we are ever grateful for the gift of your incarnate Word. From this eucharist send us forth as joyful messengers of your saving goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.