Three-Year Lectionary
Study the appointed readings, prayers and resources for Series A, Series B and Series C through the Church Year.
December 20, 2026
See TodayFirst Sunday after Christmas
· Three-Year Lectionary · Series B
- First Reading
-
Isaiah 61:10–62:3 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
KJV Scripture text
Select ESV to load this Scripture text.
Select NIV to load this Scripture text.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
62:1 For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. 2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. 3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
Select NKJV to load this Scripture text.
- Psalm
-
Psalm 111 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
KJV Scripture text
Select ESV to load this Scripture text.
Select NIV to load this Scripture text.
1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Select NKJV to load this Scripture text.
- Epistle
-
Gal. 4:4–7 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
KJV Scripture text
Select ESV to load this Scripture text.
Select NIV to load this Scripture text.
4 But when the fulness of the 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 receive 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.
Select NKJV to load this Scripture text.
- Gospel
-
Luke 2:22–40 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
KJV Scripture text
Select ESV to load this Scripture text.
Select NIV to load this Scripture text.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Select NKJV to load this Scripture text.
First Sunday after Christmas
Three-Year Lectionary · Series B
About this service
The Time Has Fully Come for Redemption and Purification through Jesus Christ, Our Lord
“When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son,” born of the woman, “to redeem those who were under the law” (Gal. 4:4–5). Therefore, “according to the Law of Moses,” Mary and Joseph “brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). There He was received and taken up into the arms of Simeon, who was righteous and devout, “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). Simeon praised God and blessed the parents by confessing the cross for which this child was appointed. “At that very hour,” old and faithful Anna, who had watched, prayed and worshiped in the temple for so long, came up and “began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). The Lord causes “righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations” (Is. 61:11). We also “greatly rejoice in the Lord,” because this child has clothed us “with the garments of salvation,” covered us “with the robe of righteousness” and called us “by a new name” (Is. 61:10; 62:2).
Source: LCMS Worship, Lectionary Summaries — Three-Year Lectionary Series B (opens in a new tab). Used by permission. These pages may be reproduced for congregational use only. Commercial reproduction, or reproduction for sale of this work or any portion of this work, without the written permission of the copyright holder, is prohibited. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Scripture quoted in the summary is from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Introit, Gradual and Verse
Source: LCMS Three-Year Series (B) Propers Chart (opens in a new tab). Citations only; no liturgical or Scripture text is reproduced.
Prayers of the Church
Prayers of the Church for December 31, 2023 — Responsive Form
Eternal Lord God, in the fullness of time, You sent forth Your Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem us and give us the adoption as Your sons and heirs. Hear us, Father, as we call to You in His name. Give us grace to rejoice in Christ’s blessed incarnation, and grant us a glad new year. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lead Your Church, Lord, to follow the example of blessed Simeon, that all baptized Christians would embrace the Christ Child by Word and faith, and so be ready to depart whenever they are called. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood on earth is named, bless Christian families with Your promises. Give parents diligence and delight in their work, and grant Your favor on all children, that they may grow in strength and wisdom. Bless widows, orphans and broken families also with Your mercy, and give them joy in the redemption You have won for us in Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy God, mighty Lord, You have given power to the nations and to those who govern for the good of their people. Bless our president, Congress, governor and all our leaders, that justice may prevail and Your people would be free to live at peace with all. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord, receive our prayers for those who suffer from loneliness. Comfort them with the sure and certain knowledge that You will never forsake them. Give them family and friends within the household of faith with whom they can find loving companionship. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Blessed Lord, help the sick and suffering, especially those who desire our prayers [including _____________]. Surround them with Your love in Christ and, according to Your gracious will, heal them. Comfort those who mourn, [especially _____________,] and fill their hearts with the certain hope of the resurrection. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father of lasting peace, show Your mercy to those who receive the Lord’s Supper this day, that they would behold their salvation in the very body and blood of Christ given for them and, with St. Simeon, be well-prepared to depart in peace according to Your Word. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we here remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Praising His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series B 2023–2024 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Prayers of the Church for December 31, 2023 — Ektene Form
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For grace to rejoice in Christ’s blessed incarnation; in thankfulness that, in the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem us and give us the adoption as His sons and heirs; and to grant us a glad new year, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the Church, that all who have been baptized into Christ may embrace the Christ Child by Word and faith, and so be ready to depart whenever they are called, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For Christian families, that the Father from whom all fatherhood on earth is named would bless them with His promises; for parents, that they would be diligent and find delight in their work; for children, that by God’s favor they would grow in strength and wisdom; and for widows, orphans and broken families, that God would comfort them with His mercy and give them joy in the redemption won for them in Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For our president, Congress, governor and all our leaders, that justice may prevail and God’s people may be free to live at peace with all, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the lonely, that they would be comforted with the sure and certain knowledge that God will never forsake them, and that within the household of faith they might find family, friends and loving companionship, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the sick and suffering, especially those who desire our prayers, [including _____________,] that according to God’s gracious will, they would be healed; and for those who mourn, [especially _____________,] that God would fill their hearts with the certain hope of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For those who receive the Lord’s Supper this day, that they would behold their salvation in the very body and blood of Christ given for them and, with St. Simeon, be well-prepared to depart in peace according to God’s Word, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we here remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Praising His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series B 2023–2024 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Hymn of the Day
LSB 389 Let All Together Praise Our God
The LCMS Hymn of the Day list appoints this hymn as the Hymn of the Day for First Sunday after Christmas (One-Year and Series B and C) and Christmas 1 (Series A).
Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn of the Day — Arranged by Church Year, p. 167 (opens in a new tab). Appointment identity only. Lutheran Service Book text and LCMS study content are not reproduced.
Suggested hymns
- Entrance LSB 385 From East to West
- Distribution LSB 624 The Infant Priest Was Holy Born
- Distribution LSB 332 Savior of the Nations, Come
- Distribution LSB 360 All My Heart Again Rejoices
- Closing LSB 391 Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn
Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn Suggestions — Three-Year Lectionary Series B 2023–24 (opens in a new tab). Hymn numbers and titles only; hymn texts are not reproduced. Reproduction for individual, church or school use does not require permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.