Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.' ' '
19 Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
89
*At the end of the Psalms this is sung or said Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
New Testament
Romans 16:25-27
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Luke 1:26-38
Deacon:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Luke's Gospel chapter 1, beginning at verse 26.
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by 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. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, 'Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!' 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then 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 bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.' 34 Then Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I do not know a man?' 35 And the angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.' 38 Then Mary said, 'Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her.
After the Gospel reading, the deacon elevates the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.
Prayers of the People
Brothers and sisters, the Lord is very near, therefore let us turn to Him Who fulfills all our needs. For the Church; that She will actively preach Christ's message of God's unconditional love and forgiveness.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those seduced by materialism and greed; that their lives will be characterized by generosity and goodwill.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who are preparing for the birth of a child; that they, like Mary, will see the child as a gift from God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who are planning to travel to meet loved ones; that they will reach their destinations safely.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For all of God's people; that they will respond to Gods call on their life in the words of Mary, 'let it be done unto me according to Your will.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the conversion of Islam and other world religions and philosophies that are in opposition to the Word of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who will be celebrating the holidays alone and for those who have lost loved ones this year.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to be obedient and faithful servants. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN