Lectionary Calendar

Tuesday, December 24th, 2024
Christmas Eve

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Read the Bible

1 Thessalonians1Th 4 1 Thessalonians1Th 2 Thessalonians2Th 1

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The Day of the Lord

(Zephaniah 1:7-18; 2 Peter 3:8-13)

¹ Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.² For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.³ While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.⁴ But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.⁵ For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

⁶ So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.⁹ For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

¹¹ Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Christian Living

¹² But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.¹³ In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.¹⁵ Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

¹⁶ Rejoice at all times.¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.¹⁸ Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.¹⁹ Do not extinguish the Spirit.²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt,²¹ but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.²² Abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings

²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.²⁴ The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.²⁵ Brothers, pray for us as well.²⁶ Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.²⁷ I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.²⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you^(a).