Friday 16 December 2044

1The Lord says:

“Maintain justiceand do what is right,for my salvation is nearand my righteousness will soon be revealed.2Blessed is the man who does this,and the son of man who holds it fast;who keeps the Sabbath without profaning itand keeps his hand from doing any evil.”3Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord speak, saying,“The Lord will surely separate me from his people.”Do not let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.”· · · verses 4–5 are not read6Also the foreigners who join themselves to the Lordto serve him,and to love the Lord’s name,to be his servants,everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it,and holds fast my covenant,7I will bring these to my holy mountain,and make them joyful in my house of prayer.Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar;for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”8The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says,“I will yet gather others to him,in addition to his own who are gathered.”

2May God be merciful to us, bless us,and cause his face to shine on us.3That your way may be known on earth,and your salvation among all nations,

5Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy,for you will judge the peoples with equity,and govern the nations on earth.

7The earth has yielded its increase.God, even our own God, will bless us.8God will bless us.All the ends of the earth shall fear him.

33You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.34But the testimony which I receive is not from man.However, I say these things that you may be saved.35He was the burning and shining lamp,and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.36But the testimonywhich I have is greater than that of John;for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish,the very works that I do,testify about me, that the Father has sent me.