But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah,from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel,whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. From Micah 5: 1-4 (NRSV) Mary’s birthday has been celebrated since the sixth century, nine months to the day…
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May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. From Colossians 1:9-14, NRSV Having given thanks for…
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In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. From Colossians 1:1-8, NRSV The city of Colossae…
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Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. From 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11, NRSV In today’s reading, Paul continues to describe Christ’s Second…
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But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. From 1…
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The word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.If I say, ‘I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name’,then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones;I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. From Jeremiah 20: 7-9…
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Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire…
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Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. From 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, NRSV In today’s reading, we hear Paul giving further encouragement…
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We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers. From I Thessalonians 2:9-13, NRSV Although he may not…
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So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. From 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, NRSV At the beginning of this reading, we hear Paul referring to the opposition and rough treatment…
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