Christmas Eve

FIRST READING ISAIAH 9:2-7

²   The people who walked in darkness
          have seen a great light;
     those who lived in a land of deep darkness — 

          on them light has shined.
³   You have multiplied the nation,
          you have increased its joy;
     they rejoice before you
          as with joy at the harvest,
          as people exult when dividing plunder.
⁴   For the yoke of their burden,
          and the bar across their shoulders,
          the rod of their oppressor,
          you have broken as on the day of Midian.
⁵   For all the boots of the tramping warriors
          and all the garments rolled in blood
          shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 

⁶   For a child has been born for us,
          a son given to us;
     authority rests upon his shoulders;
          and he is named
     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
          Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷   His authority shall grow continually,
          and there shall be endless peace
     for the throne of David and his kingdom.
          He will establish and uphold it
     with justice and with righteousness
          from this time onward and forevermore.
     The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

GOSPEL LUKE 2:1-7

¹In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³All went to their own towns to be registered. ⁴Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. ⁵He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.