December 29, 2026

3The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. 4Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: 6whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived. The New Commandment. 7Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. 11Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Members of the Community.

1Psalm 96 God of the Universe I - Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2Sing to the LORD, bless his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his marvelous deeds. 5For the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6Splendor and power go before him; power and grandeur are in his holy place.

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

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.”