Christmas Day, an a Capella Morn! | 25 Dec. 2024 | 9:00 a.m. | St. Dunstan's |Carmel Valley CA

Christmas Day, an a Capella Morn! | 25 Dec. 2024 | 9:00 a.m. | St. Dunstan's |Carmel Valley CA The lessons appointed for Christmas Day encapsulate the Feast of Christmas with themes of joy, divine revelation, and the fulfillment of God's promises: Isaiah 52:7-10: This passage celebrates the arrival of God's salvation and the proclamation of peace and good news. It emphasizes the joy and beauty of the messenger who brings the news of God's reign and the redemption of Jerusalem. The mood is one of triumphant joy and celebration. Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12): This reading highlights the divine nature and supremacy of Christ, who is the exact representation of God's being and the one through whom God created the world. It speaks of the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus, who is greater than the angels. The mood is one of awe and reverence for the divine revelation in Christ. John 1:1-14: The prologue of John's Gospel poetically describes the incarnation of the Word, who was with God and was God. It speaks of the light that shines in the darkness and the Word becoming flesh to dwell among us. The mood is one of profound mystery, wonder, and the revelation of God's glory in Jesus. Psalm 98: This psalm calls for a joyful celebration of God's salvation and marvelous deeds. It invites all creation to sing and rejoice in the Lord, who has made His salvation known. The mood is one of exuberant praise and thanksgiving. Together, these readings create a rich and multifaceted celebration of Christmas, emphasizing the joy of God's salvation, the divine revelation in Christ, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. THE COLLECT Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.