December 27, 2026

2For the Lord sets a father in honor over his children and confirms a mother’s authority over her sons. 3Those who honor their father atone for sins; 4they store up riches who respect their mother. 5Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they are heard. 6Those who respect their father will live a long life; those who obey the Lord honor their mother. 12My son, be steadfast in honoring your father; do not grieve him as long as he lives. 13Even if his mind fails, be considerate of him; do not revile him because you are in your prime. 14Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root.

1Psalm 128 The Blessed Home of the Just - A song of ascents. I - Blessed are all who fear the LORD, and who walk in his ways. 2What your hands provide you will enjoy; you will be blessed and prosper: 3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your home, Your children like young olive plants around your table. 4Just so will the man be blessed who fears the LORD. 5II - May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see Jerusalem’s prosperity all the days of your life,

12Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18The Christian Family. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

15And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

22The Presentation in the Temple. When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35(and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 39The Return to Nazareth. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. The Boy Jesus in the Temple.