Revised Common Lectionary Readings for December 28, 2025

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 28, 2025

First Reading Isaiah 63:7-9 7   I will recount the gracious deeds of the LORD,           the praiseworthy acts of the LORD,      because of all that the LORD has done for us,           and the great favor to the house of Israel      that he has shown them according to his mercy,           according to the abundance of his steadfast love. 8   For he said, “Surely they are my people,           children who will not deal falsely”;      and he became their savior 9        in all their distress.      It was no messenger or angel           but his presence that saved them;      in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;           he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Psalm Psalm 148 1   Praise the Lord!      Praise the Lord from the heavens;           praise him in the heights! 2   Praise him, all his angels;           praise him, all his host! 3   Praise him, sun and moon;           praise him, all you shining stars! 4   Praise him, you highest heavens,           and you waters above the heavens! 5   Let them praise the name of the Lord,           for he commanded and they were created. 6   He established them forever and ever;           he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed. 7   Praise the Lord from the earth,           you sea monsters and all deeps, 8   fire and hail, snow and frost,           stormy wind fulfilling his command! 9  Mountains and all hills,           fruit trees and all cedars! 10  Wild animals and all cattle,           creeping things and flying birds! 11  Kings of the earth and all peoples,           princes and all rulers of the earth! 12  Young men and women alike,           old and young together! 13  Let them praise the name of the Lord,           for his name alone is exalted;           his glory is above earth and heaven. 14  He has raised up a horn for his people,           praise for all his faithful,           for the people of Israel who are close to him.      Praise the Lord! Second Reading Hebrews 2:10-18 10It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12saying,      “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,           in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” 13And again,      “I will put my trust in him.” And again,      “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.” 14Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Gospel Matthew 2:13-23 13Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” 16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18  “A voice was heard in Ramah,           wailing and loud lamentation,      Rachel weeping for her children;           she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” 19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead.” 21Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, December 29 and Sunday, January 4, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, December 29, 2025 - That we seek out opportunities to show love to God and our neighbors.
• Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - That we remember those who died in service to their country.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2025 - That we remember the dedication shown by our teachers. 
• Thursday, January 1, 2026 - That we enter the new year with both faith and focus.
• Friday, January 2, 2026 - That our leaders have the courage and wisdom to confront the racial divisions within our country.
• Saturday, January 3, 2026 - That we enter the new year with both faith and focus.
• Sunday, January 4, 2026 - That we renew our commitment to life.

Sunday's Message - Unwrapping the Gift of Love

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Unwrapping the Gift of Love: As a kid, unwrapping Christmas presents is one of the highlights of the entire year. Even for adults, the mystery of what’s beneath the pape...

Looking into the lectionary - Why church choirs matter more than we realize

Ephesians 1:3-14 Second Sunday of Christmas January 4, 2026 There was a time when Presbyterians were so well known for one theological doctrine it became an intrinsic part of our personalities. If you told someone you were a Presbyterian, they would respond, “Ah, yes, so you believe in predestination.” But today many of us would scratch our heads and respond, “Predestination? Oh, well, um …” The first Sunday of 2026, might be a good time to rediscover our theology of predestination with the opening chapter of Ephesians. The apostle Paul begins with an extended thanksgiving. Usually in his letters, Paul gives thanks for specific things about the particular congregation to which he is writing. However, the thanksgiving in Ephesians (actually one long sentence in Greek spanning 11 verses) is more cosmic in scale, perhaps even incorporating a traditional Jewish prayer of blessing to talk about the eternal plan and work of God through Jesus Christ. The thanksgiving begins, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.” A theology of predestination, or perhaps more precisely “election,” begins with the affirmation that God has chosen us in Christ. From Scripture’s beginning to its end, we find God choosing. God chooses to call creation into being. God chooses Noah; God chooses Abraham; God chooses Moses; God chooses Deborah; God chooses David; God chooses prophets; God chooses kings; God chooses a people; God chooses Mary. And here in Ephesians, God chooses us. Several years ago, the hit television show “This is Us” followed the Pearson family with intertwining stories from several decades of the family’s life. It began with a young couple, Jack and Rebecca, expecting triplets. Rebecca goes into labor and gives birth to two healthy babies, but unfortunately the third tragically dies. Standing by the nursery, Jack sees an African American child, born on the same day as his children, but left on the doorstep of a fire station. Jack and Rebecca adopt this baby, whom they name Randall, so they bring home three babies from the hospital after all. The stories of this family, past, present, and in between, are moving illustrations of the power of love, the struggles all families face, and the bonds which are far deeper than blood. In a later season, Randall is married to his wife Beth and they have two girls of their own. But Randall believes that they should also adopt a child and so he asks his mother about how she and Jack made the decision to adopt him. Rebecca responds in part, “I said no. But your father was so sure. I was tired and I was grieving and he just kept pushing me. He was so determined that you were meant to be. Meant to be ours. … He pushed a stranger on me, and the stranger became my child and that child became my life. He became you.” That is the doctrine of election. ... Thanks to this week's writer, Matthew A. Rich. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for December 28, 2025? You can find them here. Order of worship — January 4, 2026 by Matthew A. Rich Pittsburgh Presbyterians erase $14 million of families’ medical debts by Mark Roth A prayer for courage and hope in the new year by Karie Charlton Our most-read opinions of 2025 by Presbyterian Outlook Books for church leaders by Amy Pagliarella Why church choirs matter more than we realize by Hunter Steinitz  IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... The top Outlook book recommendations of 2025 Discover the titles that most engaged Presbyterian Outlook readers, from theology and memoir to devotionals and cultural commentary. The Bondi Beach attack confirms our fears about antisemitism. But it tells another story. Among lessons of Bondi Beach is Hanukkah's eternal lesson that there is more light to be found than we imagine. — Brad Hirschfield A blessing for the year to come Walter Canter offers a month-by-month prayer for ordinary frustrations, unexpected joys and the sacred reminders. In Chicago, Faith Leaders Reflect on Legacy Supporting Immigrants’ Rights From sanctuary efforts in the ‘80s to Trump’s latest deportation efforts, Chicago’s faith leaders lean into commitment to immigrants. — Stephen Franklin Got a startup with purpose? Apply now for the 2026 Epiphany Grant Funding, coaching, and navigating a dynamic market are all free as part of this unique opportunity. —  First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta A prayer for Advent: Because Christ has come Teri McDowell Ott invites us to rest in Christ’s tender and healing presence in a weary world. Through Jesus, nothing lies beyond redemption.

Sojourners - A Prayer for All People

Do you remember the last time an article changed how you saw something? Maybe it was a piece that challenged you, encouraged you, or simply made you feel less alone. One article from Sojourners has stuck with me for 25 years. When I was growing up in the ’80s and ’90s in Washington, D.C., Sojourners magazine was a fixture in my home. I remember seeing Sojourners banners around town and at protests and recognizing that it was more than just a magazine. I saw Sojourners as a community of Christians who took Jesus and justice seriously. When my parents moved to Ohio, Sojourners moved with them. I read their copies when I was home from college. The summer I graduated, I went to Haiti in May and spent August in Japan and Korea. While at my parents' house, I read A Prayer for All People in the July-August 2000 issue of Sojourners, with translations of the Lord’s Prayer in Haitian Creole and Japanese. I’m sure you have had moments like that. Some people call them God winks or woo-woo, or the Holy Spirit moving. I can’t recall every article I’ve ever read, but that one felt special: When I saw the Lord’s Prayer printed in languages of two of the three places I was going that summer, I took it as a sign that I was right where God wanted me to be. In 2023, after many twists and turns, I joined Sojourners’ editorial team. I work remotely from my home in rural Georgia and connect with colleagues across the country and in D.C. as we shape the organization and magazine that meant so much to my spiritual formation. We know that people across the country and the world depend on our unique blend of fact-based journalism, theological depth, and moral conscience. One of the most rewarding things is hearing from readers who let us know just how much a particular article meant to them. This past year, I’ve had conversations with Chicago pastor David Black about praying at Broadview facility, Alabama poet laureate Ashley M. Jones about poetry and activism, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Crys Matthews about being a preacher’s kid, and author Barbara Brown Taylor about neighborliness. I got to draw from my life experience, writing about a unique cemetery in Georgia and about a picture I drew of God. More importantly, I’ve had the chance to edit pieces by writers exploring how to stay grounded in the second Trump presidency, how Deaf Christians are building community, and how one retired pastor is using her inheritance toward reparations, just to name a few. It is a tremendous honor to be able to pay close attention to and amplify the voices of writers, activists, and change makers who are not yielding to despair or apathy. I hope the work we do helps you feel encouraged to walk faithfully in the path you are on, or to maybe even chart a new path. Maybe you’ve been connected to Sojourners’ work since the 1970s, or maybe you found us recently. I trust that, if you are reading this, Sojourners is part of your spiritual journey, too. Your gift will help us keep doing this work, which keeps us rooted in faith and activism. Future writers, editors, and leaders might be reading Sojourners in your home and finding the courage to keep working for Jesus and justice for all people. Thank you for helping us continue this work for generations to come. Donate Today With gratitude, Josina Guess Associate Editor P.S. You may have heard that one of our longtime supporters, author Margaret Atwood, has supported our social justice mission through a challenge gift of $20,000. In just a few days, readers like you stepped up to the challenge, and we only have $5,276 left to meet this match. Will you join us today? Your contribution, no matter what size, truly makes a difference. Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, December 22 and Sunday, December 28, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, December 22, 2025 - That churches fulfill their purpose as lighthouses for Christ.
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 - That those in the arts would be open to biblical worldviews and principles.
• Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - That all human trafficking would end.
• Thursday, December 25, 2025 - That we celebrate Christmas by rededicating ourselves to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
• Friday, December 26, 2025 - That we strengthen our global unity rather than casting blame and sowing divisions.
• Saturday, December 27, 2025 - That God protects all civilians impacted by the conflict in Gaza.
• Sunday, December 28, 2025 - That there'll be peace between Russia and Ukraine

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, December 14, 2025

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: As a kid, unwrapping Christmas presents is one of the highlights of the entire year. Even for adults, the mystery of what’s beneath the pape...

Sunday's Message - Unwrapping the Gift of Joy

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Unwrapping the Gift of Joy: As a kid, unwrapping Christmas presents is one of the highlights of the entire year. Even for adults, the mystery of what’s beneath the pape...

Hip-hop, faith and justice — a new podcast 🎙️

Join the party: Listen to the “Theology of Hip-Hop” podcast God is in everything — and that includes the music. Hip-hop is often misunderstood, but for decades it has inspired, comforted, and confronted injustice, naming the realities of survival, dignity and hope. That conviction shapes the “Theology of Hip-Hop,” a podcast from Presbyterian Outlook hosted by Chris Burton (aka Di Baddest Chaplain). The series approaches hip-hop as a place where faith, lament, protest and justice meet without pretense.  Five episodes are available now, featuring theological reflections on: DMX, whose raw prayers explored justice, repentance, endurance and grace Tupac, who insisted God looks like the people the world throws away GloRilla, whose catalog reveals a longing for God’s protection, presence and favor Doechii, who explores explores a theology of abundance Ka, who uncovered beauty, truth and divinity in the hardest corners of life  Five more episodes starting in January, continuing the conversation with new artists and deeper theological questions — just in time for Epiphany, when we go looking for God in unexpected places. Whether you’re a preacher, theologian, hip-hop head, or someone searching for honest faith in a fractured world, this podcast invites you to listen closely.  Start listening now View in browser

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