Catholic daily readings

Thursday in the Christmas Season

Thursday, January 1, 2026 · Christmas - Christmas Season

The readings keep returning to the wonder that God comes close. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.

Today’s readings

First Reading

Numbers 6:22-27

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, 'This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.' You shall tell them, 'The LORD bless you, and keep you. The LORD make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.' "So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them."

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

That your way may be known on earth, and your salvation among all nations, let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you. Let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you. The earth has yielded its increase. God, even our own God, will bless us. God will bless us. All the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Second Reading

Galatians 4:4-7

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as children. And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Gospel

Luke 2:16-21

They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them. When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

A question for your journal

Where do you notice God coming close in something ordinary today?

Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.

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