December 23, 2027

1Now I am sending my messenger— he will prepare the way before me; And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire— see, he is coming! says the LORD of hosts. 2But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand firm when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like fullers’ lye. 3He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the Levites, Refining them like gold or silver, that they may bring offerings to the LORD in righteousness. 4Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in ancient days, as in years gone by. 5I will draw near to you for judgment, and I will be swift to bear witness Against sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers, those who deprive a laborer of wages, Oppress a widow or an orphan, or turn aside a resident alien, without fearing me, says the LORD of hosts. 6Gifts for God, Blessings for the People - For I, the LORD, do not change, and you, sons of Jacob, do not cease to be.

4Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths. 5Guide me by your fidelity and teach me, for you are God my savior, for you I wait all the day long. 8II - Good and upright is the LORD, therefore he shows sinners the way, 9He guides the humble in righteousness, and teaches the humble his way. 10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth toward those who honor his covenant and decrees. 14The counsel of the LORD belongs to those who fear him; and his covenant instructs them.

57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.