2016-06-30

Epistle: Galatians 4: 4-7

(4) Brethren, when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (5) to redeem them that were under the law, that we might recieve the adoption of sons. (6) And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (7) Wherefore, thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

(1) Now when Jesus was borh in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the King, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, (2) saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. (3) When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. (5) And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, (6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. (7) Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.
(9) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (12) And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Troparion for Nativity in the Fourth Tone

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world. For they who did worship the stars did learn from them to worship thee, the Sun of Justice, and to know thou didst come from the east of the Highest. Glory to thee, O Lord!

Kontakion for Nativity in the Third Tone

The Virgin brings forth today the omnipotent, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable. Angels give glory with shepherds, and the magi journey with the star, when for our sakes was born, as a new babe, He Who is from eternity God.
more from beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad