1st Scripture Reading – Colossians 1:19-23
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all
things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the
cross.
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
22
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight,
without blemish and free from accusation— 23
if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and
do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been
proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
2nd Scripture Reading – Luke 2:8-14
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by
night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good
news of great joy for all the people: 11
to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the
Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying
in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God
and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”