For Help in Our Testing--Dec. 27, 2020

 

Lord Jesus Christ, you were tested

by what you suffered;

you are able to help us in our testing.

 

You seek us out, we are not forsaken;

you have redeemed us;

you free us from the fear of death.

 

You have saved us from our sins;

grateful, we will do good;

we will seek peace and pursue it.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 34; 150; 19; 121

Isa. 62:6-7, 10-12

Heb. 2:10-18

Matt. 1:18-25

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good;
          seek peace, and pursue it.

 

Isa. 62:12

They shall be called, “The Holy People,
          The Redeemed of the LORD”;
and you shall be called, “Sought Out,
          A City Not Forsaken.”

 

Heb. 2:15, 18

…and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.  …Because [Jesus] himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

 

Matt. 1:21

“…[Mary] will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  [An angel of the Lord, to Joseph, in a dream]