When all was still and it was midnight,
Your almighty Word O Lord, descended from the royal throne.
(antiphon for Christmas Midnight)
Reading: Luke 2:1-21
Joseph, a lowly carpenter, and Mary, a young virgin, were descended from David. The lineage of David was no longer the lineage of kings. The mighty tree of David had been cut down. It was now a stump. But from this stump, this root of Jesse, a new branch broke forth. The true King of nations and rightful heir to the key and scepter of David was born. Christ the Lord is come to dwell with his people. The angels cannot contain themselves: “Glory to God in the highest!” They sing the praises of Christ the Lord. All the world now rejoices, for her King has come!
Prayer: Almighty God, heavenly Father, because You desired that all would be saved, You sent Your only begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and to rise for our justification. Grant that, receiving the fullness of faith, we would be sustained until the end as citizens of Your heavenly King¬dom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn LSB 375:6
Gracious Child, we pray, O hear us,
From Your lowly manger cheer us,
Gently lead us and be near us
Till we join Your choir above.
(Mark Kranz, Sem IV)