Liturgy for the First Sunday after Christmas, Year B, Mark
Introduction
The wrapping paper is gone and the house has gone quiet, but Christmas is not over. The church keeps the feast for twelve days, and this Sunday's readings belong to two old saints who waited their whole lives and knew salvation when they finally held it. Simeon and Anna warm our hearts and teach us how to wait and hope.
This complete liturgy for the First Sunday after Christmas Day, Year B, follows the Revised Common Lectionary and centers on recognition, praise, and the new name God gives us as children. It includes a call to worship, opening prayer, prayer of confession, assurance of pardon, prayer for Illumination, and benediction. Find the full set of Advent and Christmas services in the Advent Liturgy hub, and for new resources a few times a month, join my newsletter.
Lectionary readings for this Sunday
Isaiah 61:10-62:3: The prophet rejoices in garments of salvation and promises that Zion will be called by a new name and become a crown of beauty in the Lord's hand. See the biblical names for Jerusalem and Israel.
Psalm 148: All creation is called to praise the Lord: sun and moon, sea monsters and snow, mountains and cedars, kings and children together. Read what hallelujah means, the word that opens and closes this psalm.
Galatians 4:4-7: In the fullness of time God sent his Son, born of a woman, so that we might be adopted as children who cry, "Abba! Father!" See who wrote Galatians and the Aramaic words in the Bible, including Abba. At just the right time!
Luke 2:22-40: Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, where the aged Simeon takes him in his arms and praises God, and the prophet Anna speaks of the child to all who are waiting. Read about Simeon's song, the Nunc Dimittis, and the prophetesses of the Bible, including Anna.
Liturgy for this Sunday
Call to Worship
One: Praise the Lord from the heavens.
All: Praise God, sun and moon and all you shining stars.
One: Praise the Lord from the earth.
All: Mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, old and young together.
One: Let them praise the name of the Lord.
All: Praise the Lord!
Opening Prayer
Faithful God, Simeon waited a lifetime and Anna never left the temple, and both of them knew your salvation when they saw it in a baby's face. In these quiet days after Christmas, when the wrapping is gone and the house is still, give us eyes like theirs. Let us recognize the light that has come, and live in its peace. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
God of grace, we confess that once Christmas is over, we go back to living as if nothing has changed. We forget that we are your children, not servants or strangers. We let the light fade along with the decorations. Forgive us, and keep the light of Christ burning in us. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
"And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God." (Galatians 4:6-7)
Friends, believe the good news: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven, and we belong to God. Thanks be to God!
More on the Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Lord, as Simeon took the child into his arms, let us receive your Word today with open hands and grateful hearts. Amen.
Benediction
Go in peace, for your eyes have seen salvation. Carry the new name God has given you into the new year. And may the favor of God rest upon you, as it rested on the child of Nazareth. Amen.
More Benedictions and Blessings
See also
Advent Liturgy
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
Planning next Sunday?
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