Psalm 68: 1-20; 24-36
1Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; *
let those who hate him flee before him.
2Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; *
as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at
the presence of God.
3But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; *
let them also be merry and joyful.
4Sing to God, sing praises to his Name;
exalt him who rides upon the heavens; *
YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5Father of orphans, defender of widows, *
God in his holy habitation!
6God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners
into freedom; *
but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7O God, when you went forth before your people, *
when you marched through the wilderness,
8The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain,
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; *
you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10Your people found their home in it; *
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision
for the poor.
11The Lord gave the word; *
great was the company of women who bore the tidings:
12″Kings with their armies are fleeing away; *
the women at home are dividing the spoils.”
13Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, *
you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver,
whose feathers are like green gold.
14When the Almighty scattered kings, *
it was like snow falling in Zalmon.
15O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! *
O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!
16Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain,
at the hill which God chose for his resting place? *
truly, the Lord will dwell there for ever.
17The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
even thousands of thousands; *
the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.
18You have gone up on high and led captivity captive;
you have received gifts even from your enemies, *
that the Lord God might dwell among them.
19Blessed be the Lord day by day, *
the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.
20He is our God, the God of our salvation; *
God is the Lord, by whom we escape death.
***
24They see your procession, O God, *
your procession into the sanctuary, my God and my King.
25The singers go before, musicians follow after, *
in the midst of maidens playing upon the hand-drums.
26Bless God in the congregation; *
bless the Lord, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
27There is Benjamin, least of the tribes, at the head;
the princes of Judah in a company; *
and the princes of Zebulon and Naphtali.
28Send forth your strength, O God; *
establish, O God, what you have wrought for us.
29Kings shall bring gifts to you, *
for your temple’s sake at Jerusalem.
30Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, *
and the peoples, a herd of wild bulls with its calves.
31Trample down those who lust after silver; *
scatter the peoples that delight in war.
32Let tribute be brought out of Egypt; *
let Ethiopia stretch out her hands to God.
33Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; *
sing praises to the Lord.
34He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; *
he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35Ascribe power to God; *
his majesty is over Israel;
his strength is in the skies.
36How wonderful is God in his holy places! *
the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people!
Blessed be God!
Collect of the Day – The First Sunday after Christmas
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
