For Your Reflection: 
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAST

 TODAY’S THEME 12/28/2025

Originating at England’s Truro Cathedral in 1878, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in nine short scripture lessons from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels. Interspersed between the readings are hymns and carols that reflect the reading.
Today’s service is an adaptation of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College in Cambridge, England. The first festival service was held on Christmas Eve 1918. The service was planned by Eric Milner-White, who had just been appointed Dean of King’s College after service as a military chaplain. He was convinced that the Church of England needed more imaginative worship.
Since 1919, the service has always begun with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City. The scriptures always stay the same, but the choice of carols varies. This service has been broadcast annually around the world on Christmas Eve since 1928. Wherever the service is heard or however it has been adapted, the pattern and strength of the service, as Dean Milner-White pointed out, derive from the lessons and not the music.
The main theme of this service is the development and loving purposes of God as seen through the windows and words of the Bible.

Prayer
O Lord God, you know that we cannot place our trust in our own powers. As you protected the infant Jesus, so defend us and all the needy from harm and adversity, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
SUNDAYS IN JANUARY
JANUARY
 
4
Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14;
John 1: [1-9]10-18
11
Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29;
Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
18
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11,
1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42
25
Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9;
I Corinthians 1:10-18,
Mathew 4:12-23