[{"todayIs":"4th Thursday before Advent","season":"Ordinary Time","colour":"Green","eventsToday":[],"morningPrayer":[{"heading":"1","content":"This is the message we have heard from Christ:
that God is light, in whom there is
no darkness at all","verse":"1 John 1:5","note":""},{"heading":"","content":"Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Herald","content":"Go up to a high mountain
herald of good tiding to Zion:
lift up your voice with strength,
herald of good tidings to Jerusalem.
Lift up your voice, fear not:
say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God!'
See the Lord God, coming with power:
coming to rule with his mighty arm.
He brings his reward for the people of God:
the recompense for those who are saved.
God will feed his flock like a shepherd:
and gather the lambs in his arms;
He will hold them to his breast:
and gently lead those that are with young.","verse":"Isaiah 40:9-11","note":""},{"heading":"3 The Opening Prayer","content":"The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind.","verse":"","note":"Silence may be kept"},{"heading":"","content":"As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each","type":"Psalm","content":[{"title":"Psalm 11", "content":"<span class="verse-num">1</span> In the Lord have I taken refuge; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> how then can you say to me,<br /> ‘Flee like a bird to the hills,<br> <span class="verse-num">2</span> ‘For see how the wicked bend the bow<br /> and fit their arrows to the string, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> to shoot from the shadows at the true of heart.<br> <span class="verse-num">3</span> ‘When the foundations are destroyed, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> what can the righteous do?’<br> <span class="verse-num">4</span> The Lord is in his holy temple; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> the Lord’s throne is in heaven.<br> <span class="verse-num">5</span> His eyes behold, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> his eyelids try every mortal being.<br> <span class="verse-num">6</span> The Lord tries the righteous as well as the wicked, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> but those who delight in violence his soul abhors.<br> <span class="verse-num">7</span> Upon the wicked he shall rain coals of fire<br /> and burning sulphur; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> scorching wind shall be their portion to drink.<br> <span class="verse-num">8</span> For the Lord is righteous;<br /> he loves righteous deeds, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and those who are upright shall behold his face.<br>"},{"title":"Psalm 15", "content":"<span class="verse-num">1</span> Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> Who may rest upon your holy hill?<br> <span class="verse-num">2</span> Whoever leads an uncorrupt life <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and does the thing that is right;<br> <span class="verse-num">3</span> Who speaks the truth from the heart <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and bears no deceit on the tongue;<br> <span class="verse-num">4</span> Who does no evil to a friend <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and pours no scorn on a neighbour;<br> <span class="verse-num">5</span> In whose sight the wicked are not esteemed, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> but who honours those who fear the Lord.<br> <span class="verse-num">6</span> Whoever has sworn to a neighbour <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and never goes back on that word;<br> <span class="verse-num">7</span> Who does not lend money in hope of gain, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> nor takes a bribe against the innocent;<br> <span class="verse-num">8</span> Whoever does these things <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> shall never fall.<br>"},{"title":"Psalm 148", "content":"<span class="verse-num">1</span> Alleluia.<br /> Praise the Lord from the heavens; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> praise him in the heights.<br> <span class="verse-num">2</span> Praise him, all you his angels; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> praise him, all his host.<br> <span class="verse-num">3</span> Praise him, sun and moon; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> praise him, all you stars of light.<br> <span class="verse-num">4</span> Praise him, heaven of heavens, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and you waters above the heavens.<br> <span class="verse-num">5</span> Let them praise the name of the Lord, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> for he commanded and they were created.<br> <span class="verse-num">6</span> He made them fast for ever and ever; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> he gave them a law which shall not pass away.<br> <span class="verse-num">7</span> Praise the Lord from the earth, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> you sea monsters and all deeps;<br> <span class="verse-num">8</span> Fire and hail, snow and mist, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> tempestuous wind, fulfilling his word;<br> <span class="verse-num">9</span> Mountains and all hills, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> fruit trees and all cedars;<br> <span class="verse-num">10</span> Wild beasts and all cattle, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> creeping things and birds on the wing;<br> <span class="verse-num">11</span> Kings of the earth and all peoples, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> princes and all rulers of the world;<br> <span class="verse-num">12</span> Young men and women,<br /> old and young together; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> let them praise the name of the Lord.<br> <span class="verse-num">13</span> For his name only is exalted, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> his splendour above earth and heaven.<br> <span class="verse-num">14</span> He has raised up the horn of his people<br /> and praise for all his faithful servants, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> the children of Israel, a people who are near him.<br /> Alleluia.<br>"}],"verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow","content":"Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us in your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share our human nature, so we may be partakers in his divine glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed","type":"Bible","content":[{"title":"OT Reading", "content":"<h2 class="extra_text">Daniel 3:1–18 <small class="audio extra_text">(<a class="mp3link" href="https://audio.esv.org/david-cochran-heath/mq/27003001-27003018.mp3" title="Daniel 3:1–18" type="audio/mpeg">Listen</a>)</small></h2> <h3 id="p27003001_01-1">Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image</h3> <p id="p27003001_04-1" class="starts-chapter"><b class="chapter-num" id="v27003001-1">3:1 </b>King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#mntf1-1" id="mntfb1-1" title="<note class="background" sub-class="measurement">A <i class="catch-word-plural">cubit</i> was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters</note>">1</a></sup> and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003002-1">2 </b>Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003003-1">3 </b>Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003004-1">4 </b>And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, <b class="verse-num" id="v27003005-1">5 </b>that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003006-1">6 </b>And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” <b class="verse-num" id="v27003007-1">7 </b>Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.</p> <h3 id="p27003007_04-1">The Fiery Furnace</h3> <p id="p27003007_07-1"><b class="verse-num" id="v27003008-1">8 </b>Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003009-1">9 </b>They declared<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#mntf2-1" id="mntfb2-1" title="<note class="translation" sub-class="original">Aramaic <i>answered and said</i>; also verses 24, 26</note>">2</a></sup> to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! <b class="verse-num" id="v27003010-1">10 </b>You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003011-1">11 </b>And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003012-1">12 </b>There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”</p> <p id="p27003012_07-1"><b class="verse-num" id="v27003013-1">13 </b>Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003014-1">14 </b>Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? <b class="verse-num" id="v27003015-1">15 </b>Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good.<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#mntf3-1" id="mntfb3-1" title="<note class="translation" sub-class="original-lacks">Aramaic lacks <i class="catch-word">well and good</i></note>">3</a></sup> But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”</p> <p id="p27003015_07-1"><b class="verse-num" id="v27003016-1">16 </b>Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. <b class="verse-num" id="v27003017-1">17 </b>If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#mntf4-1" id="mntfb4-1" title="<note class="alternative">Or <i>If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, he will deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king</i></note>">4</a></sup> <b class="verse-num" id="v27003018-1">18 </b>But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”</p> <div class="footnotes extra_text"> <h3>Footnotes</h3> <p><span class="footnote"><a href="#mntfb1-1" id="mntf1-1">[1]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:1</span> <note class="background" sub-class="measurement">A <i class="catch-word-plural">cubit</i> was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters</note> <br /> <span class="footnote"><a href="#mntfb2-1" id="mntf2-1">[2]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:9</span> <note class="translation" sub-class="original">Aramaic <i>answered and said</i>; also verses 24, 26</note> <br /> <span class="footnote"><a href="#mntfb3-1" id="mntf3-1">[3]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:15</span> <note class="translation" sub-class="original-lacks">Aramaic lacks <i class="catch-word">well and good</i></note> <br /> <span class="footnote"><a href="#mntfb4-1" id="mntf4-1">[4]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:17</span> <note class="alternative">Or <i>If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, he will deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king</i></note> </p> </div> <p>(<a href="http://www.esv.org" class="copyright">ESV</a>)</p>"},{"title":"NT Reading", "content":"<h2 class="extra_text">Revelation 3:1–13 <small class="audio extra_text">(<a class="mp3link" href="https://audio.esv.org/david-cochran-heath/mq/66003001-66003013.mp3" title="Revelation 3:1–13" type="audio/mpeg">Listen</a>)</small></h2> <h3 id="p66003001_01-1">To the Church in Sardis</h3> <p id="p66003001_06-1" class="starts-chapter"><b class="chapter-num" id="v66003001-1">3:1 </b><span class="woc">“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.</span></p> <p id="p66003001_06-1"><span class="woc">“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003002-1">2 </b><span class="woc">Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003003-1">3 </b><span class="woc">Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003004-1">4 </b><span class="woc">Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003005-1">5 </b><span class="woc">The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003006-1">6 </b><span class="woc">He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’</span></p> <h3 id="p66003006_06-1">To the Church in Philadelphia</h3> <p id="p66003006_11-1"><b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003007-1">7 </b><span class="woc">“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.</span></p> <p id="p66003007_11-1"><b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003008-1">8 </b><span class="woc">“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003009-1">9 </b><span class="woc">Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003010-1">10 </b><span class="woc">Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003011-1">11 </b><span class="woc">I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003012-1">12 </b><span class="woc">The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.</span> <b class="verse-num woc" id="v66003013-1">13 </b><span class="woc">He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’</span></p> <p>(<a href="http://www.esv.org" class="copyright">ESV</a>)</p>"}],"verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or","content":"May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"7 The Canticle, The Hymn of the Word","content":"In the beginning was the Word:
and the Word was with God,
And the Word was God:
He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through him:
and without him, was not anything made that was made.
In him was life:
and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness:
and the darkness has not overcome it.
He was in the world:
and the world was made through him
yet the world knew him not.
He came to his own home:
and his own people received him not.
But to all who received him who believed on his name:
he has given power to become children of God;
Who were born not of blood
nor of the will of the flesh:
nor of the will of a man but of God,
And the Word became flesh:
and dwelt among us full of grace and truth;
We have beheld his glory:
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
And from his fullness have we all received:
the grace upon grace.","verse":"John 1:1-5, 10-14, 16","note":""},{"heading":"8 The Apostles' Creed may be said","content":"I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"9 The Prayers","content":"Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day","content":"Our Father in heaven
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"","type":"Collect","content":[],"verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.","content":"","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"12 The Morning Collect","content":"Lord and heavenly Father,
you have brought us safely to this new day:
keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin,
guard us from every kind of danger,
and in all we do this day
direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"13","content":"The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"","content":"May the God of peace equip us with everything good so that we may do his will; and may he work in us that which is pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Amen.","verse":"see Hebrews 13:20-21","note":""}],"eveningPrayer":[{"heading":"1","content":"The Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give God the glory.","verse":"Revelation 19:6-7","note":""},{"heading":"","content":"Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"2 The Opening Canticle, A Song for Joy","content":"Be joyful in the Lord, all the earth:
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God:
it is he who has made us, and we are his;
for we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise:
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good;
his loving-kindness is everlasting:
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.","verse":"Psalm 100","note":""},{"heading":"3 The Opening Prayer","content":"The day is now passed and the night is at hand.
Let us pray with one heart and mind.","verse":"","note":"Silence may be kept"},{"heading":"","content":"Father of lights, receive the prayer and praise we offer you as our evening sacrifice; make us a light for all the world, delivered by your goodness from all the works of darkness; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each","type":"Psalm","content":[{"title":"Psalm 118", "content":"<span class="verse-num">1</span> O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> his mercy endures for ever.<br> <span class="verse-num">2</span> Let Israel now proclaim, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> ‘His mercy endures for ever.’<br> <span class="verse-num">3</span> Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> ‘His mercy endures for ever.’<br> <span class="verse-num">4</span> Let those who fear the Lord proclaim, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> ‘His mercy endures for ever.’<br> <span class="verse-num">5</span> In my constraint I called to the Lord; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> the Lord answered and set me free.<br> <span class="verse-num">6</span> The Lord is at my side; I will not fear; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> what can flesh do to me?<br> <span class="verse-num">7</span> With the Lord at my side as my saviour, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> I shall see the downfall of my enemies.<br> <span class="verse-num">8</span> It is better to take refuge in the Lord <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> than to put any confidence in flesh.<br> <span class="verse-num">9</span> It is better to take refuge in the Lord <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> than to put any confidence in princes.<br> <span class="verse-num">10</span> All the nations encompassed me, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> but by the name of the Lord I drove them back.<br> <span class="verse-num">11</span> They hemmed me in, they hemmed me in on every side, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> but by the name of the Lord I drove them back.<br> <span class="verse-num">12</span> They swarmed about me like bees;<br /> they blazed like fire among thorns, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> but by the name of the Lord I drove them back.<br> <span class="verse-num">13</span> Surely, I was thrust to the brink, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> but the Lord came to my help.<br> <span class="verse-num">14</span> The Lord is my strength and my song, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and he has become my salvation.<br> <span class="verse-num">15</span> Joyful shouts of salvation <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> sound from the tents of the righteous:<br> <span class="verse-num">16</span> ‘The right hand of the Lord does mighty deeds;<br /> the right hand of the Lord raises up; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> the right hand of the Lord does mighty deeds.’<br> <span class="verse-num">17</span> I shall not die, but live <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and declare the works of the Lord.<br> <span class="verse-num">18</span> The Lord has punished me sorely, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> but he has not given me over to death.<br> <span class="verse-num">19</span> Open to me the gates of righteousness, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> that I may enter and give thanks to the Lord.<br> <span class="verse-num">20</span> This is the gate of the Lord; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> the righteous shall enter through it.<br> <span class="verse-num">21</span> I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and have become my salvation.<br> <span class="verse-num">22</span> The stone which the builders rejected <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> has become the chief cornerstone.<br> <span class="verse-num">23</span> This is the Lord’s doing, <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> and it is marvellous in our eyes.<br> <span class="verse-num">24</span> This is the day that the Lord has made; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> we will rejoice and be glad in it.<br> <span class="verse-num">25</span> Come, O Lord, and save us we pray. <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> Come, Lord, send us now prosperity.<br> <span class="verse-num">26</span> Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> we bless you from the house of the Lord.<br> <span class="verse-num">27</span> The Lord is God; he has given us light; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> link the pilgrims with cords<br /> right to the horns of the altar.<br> <span class="verse-num">28</span> You are my God and I will thank you; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> you are my God and I will exalt you.<br> <span class="verse-num">29</span> O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; <span class="line-dot">•</span><br /> his mercy endures for ever.<br>"}],"verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow","content":"God our Saviour, you sent Jesus into the world of sin, and delivered him up to death for us: kindle in our hearts the same love with which he loved his own to the end; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed","type":"Bible","content":[{"title":"OT Reading", "content":"<h2 class="extra_text">Isaiah 2:12–22 <small class="audio extra_text">(<a class="mp3link" href="https://audio.esv.org/david-cochran-heath/mq/23002012-23002022.mp3" title="Isaiah 2:12–22" type="audio/mpeg">Listen</a>)</small></h2> <p class="block-indent"><span class="begin-line-group"></span> <span id="p23002012_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002012-1">12 </b> For the LORD of hosts has a day</span><br /><span id="p23002012_01-1" class="indent line"> against all that is proud and lofty,</span><br /><span id="p23002012_01-1" class="indent line"> against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;</span><br /><span id="p23002013_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002013-1">13 </b> against all the cedars of Lebanon,</span><br /><span id="p23002013_01-1" class="indent line"> lofty and lifted up;</span><br /><span id="p23002013_01-1" class="indent line"> and against all the oaks of Bashan;</span><br /><span id="p23002014_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002014-1">14 </b> against all the lofty mountains,</span><br /><span id="p23002014_01-1" class="indent line"> and against all the uplifted hills;</span><br /><span id="p23002015_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002015-1">15 </b> against every high tower,</span><br /><span id="p23002015_01-1" class="indent line"> and against every fortified wall;</span><br /><span id="p23002016_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002016-1">16 </b> against all the ships of Tarshish,</span><br /><span id="p23002016_01-1" class="indent line"> and against all the beautiful craft.</span><br /><span id="p23002017_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002017-1">17 </b> And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled,</span><br /><span id="p23002017_01-1" class="indent line"> and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low,</span><br /><span id="p23002017_01-1" class="indent line"> and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.</span><br /><span id="p23002018_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002018-1">18 </b> And the idols shall utterly pass away.</span><br /><span id="p23002019_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002019-1">19 </b> And people shall enter the caves of the rocks</span><br /><span id="p23002019_01-1" class="indent line"> and the holes of the ground,<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#eotf1-1" id="eotfb1-1" title="<note class="translation" sub-class="original">Hebrew <i>dust</i></note>">1</a></sup></span><br /><span id="p23002019_01-1" class="line"> from before the terror of the LORD,</span><br /><span id="p23002019_01-1" class="indent line"> and from the splendor of his majesty,</span><br /><span id="p23002019_01-1" class="indent line"> when he rises to terrify the earth.</span><br /><span class="end-line-group"></span> <span class="begin-line-group"></span> <span id="p23002020_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002020-1">20 </b> In that day mankind will cast away</span><br /><span id="p23002020_01-1" class="indent line"> their idols of silver and their idols of gold,</span><br /><span id="p23002020_01-1" class="line"> which they made for themselves to worship,</span><br /><span id="p23002020_01-1" class="indent line"> to the moles and to the bats,</span><br /><span id="p23002021_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002021-1">21 </b> to enter the caverns of the rocks</span><br /><span id="p23002021_01-1" class="indent line"> and the clefts of the cliffs,</span><br /><span id="p23002021_01-1" class="line"> from before the terror of the LORD,</span><br /><span id="p23002021_01-1" class="indent line"> and from the splendor of his majesty,</span><br /><span id="p23002021_01-1" class="indent line"> when he rises to terrify the earth.</span><br /><span id="p23002022_01-1" class="line"><b class="verse-num inline" id="v23002022-1">22 </b> Stop regarding man</span><br /><span id="p23002022_01-1" class="indent line"> in whose nostrils is breath,</span><br /><span id="p23002022_01-1" class="indent line"> for of what account is he?</span><br /></p><span class="end-line-group"></span> <div class="footnotes extra_text"> <h3>Footnotes</h3> <p><span class="footnote"><a href="#eotfb1-1" id="eotf1-1">[1]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">2:19</span> <note class="translation" sub-class="original">Hebrew <i>dust</i></note> </p> </div> <p>(<a href="http://www.esv.org" class="copyright">ESV</a>)</p>"},{"title":"NT Reading", "content":"<h2 class="extra_text">Matthew 3 <small class="audio extra_text">(<a class="mp3link" href="https://audio.esv.org/david-cochran-heath/mq/40003001-40003017.mp3" title="Matthew 3" type="audio/mpeg">Listen</a>)</small></h2> <h3 id="p40003001_01-1">John the Baptist Prepares the Way</h3> <p id="p40003001_07-1" class="starts-chapter"><b class="chapter-num" id="v40003001-1">3:1 </b>In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, <b class="verse-num" id="v40003002-1">2 </b>“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#entf1-1" id="entfb1-1" title="<note class="alternative">Or <i>the kingdom of heaven has come near</i></note>">1</a></sup> <b class="verse-num" id="v40003003-1">3 </b>For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,</p> <p class="block-indent"><span class="begin-line-group"></span> <span id="p40003003_07-1" class="line"> “The voice of one crying in the wilderness:</span><br /><span id="p40003003_07-1" class="line"> ‘Prepare<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#entf2-1" id="entfb2-1" title="<note class="alternative">Or <i><span class="catch-word">crying</span>: Prepare in the wilderness</i></note>">2</a></sup> the way of the Lord;</span><br /><span id="p40003003_07-1" class="indent line"> make his paths straight.’”</span><br /><span class="end-line-group"></span> </p><p id="p40003003_07-1" class="same-paragraph"><b class="verse-num" id="v40003004-1">4 </b>Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. <b class="verse-num" id="v40003005-1">5 </b>Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, <b class="verse-num" id="v40003006-1">6 </b>and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.</p> <p id="p40003006_07-1"><b class="verse-num" id="v40003007-1">7 </b>But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? <b class="verse-num" id="v40003008-1">8 </b>Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. <b class="verse-num" id="v40003009-1">9 </b>And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. <b class="verse-num" id="v40003010-1">10 </b>Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.</p> <p id="p40003010_07-1"><b class="verse-num" id="v40003011-1">11 </b>“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. <b class="verse-num" id="v40003012-1">12 </b>His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”</p> <h3 id="p40003012_07-1">The Baptism of Jesus</h3> <p id="p40003012_11-1"><b class="verse-num" id="v40003013-1">13 </b>Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. <b class="verse-num" id="v40003014-1">14 </b>John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” <b class="verse-num" id="v40003015-1">15 </b>But Jesus answered him, <span class="woc">“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”</span> Then he consented. <b class="verse-num" id="v40003016-1">16 </b>And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#entf3-1" id="entfb3-1" title="<note class="variant" sub-class="variant-lacks">Some manuscripts omit <i class="catch-word">to him</i></note>">3</a></sup> and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; <b class="verse-num" id="v40003017-1">17 </b>and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,<sup class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="#entf4-1" id="entfb4-1" title="<note class="alternative">Or <i><span class="catch-word">my</span> Son, my</i> (or <i>the</i>) <i>Beloved</i></note>">4</a></sup> with whom I am well pleased.”</p> <div class="footnotes extra_text"> <h3>Footnotes</h3> <p><span class="footnote"><a href="#entfb1-1" id="entf1-1">[1]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:2</span> <note class="alternative">Or <i>the kingdom of heaven has come near</i></note> <br /> <span class="footnote"><a href="#entfb2-1" id="entf2-1">[2]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:3</span> <note class="alternative">Or <i><span class="catch-word">crying</span>: Prepare in the wilderness</i></note> <br /> <span class="footnote"><a href="#entfb3-1" id="entf3-1">[3]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:16</span> <note class="variant" sub-class="variant-lacks">Some manuscripts omit <i class="catch-word">to him</i></note> <br /> <span class="footnote"><a href="#entfb4-1" id="entf4-1">[4]</a></span> <span class="footnote-ref">3:17</span> <note class="alternative">Or <i><span class="catch-word">my</span> Son, my</i> (or <i>the</i>) <i>Beloved</i></note> </p> </div> <p>(<a href="http://www.esv.org" class="copyright">ESV</a>)</p>"}],"verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or","content":"May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"7 The Canticle, The Song of Christ's Glory","content":"Christ Jesus was in the form of God:
but he did not cling to equality with God.
He emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant:
and was born in our human likeness.
Being found in human form, he humbled himself:
and became obedient unto death,
even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him:
and bestowed on him the name above every name,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow:
in heaven and on earth and under the earth;
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord:
to the glory of God the Father.","verse":"Philippians 2:5b-11","note":""},{"heading":"8 The Prayers","content":"Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"9 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day","content":"Our Father in heaven
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"","type":"Collect","content":[],"verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"10 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.","content":"","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"11 The Evening Collect","content":"Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of the night: that we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest on your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"12","content":"The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.","verse":"","note":""},{"heading":"","content":"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.","verse":"2 Corinthians 13:14","note":""}]}]