A reading from the book of the prophet Micah.

Thus says our God:

“You Bethlehem-Ephrathah

too small to be among the clans of Judah,
From you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel;
Whose origin is from of old,

from ancient times.

(Therefore Yahweh will give them up, until the time
when she who is to give birth has borne,
And the rest of his brothers and sisters shall return
to the children of Israel.)

This one shall stand firm and shepherd the flock
by the strength of our God,

in the majestic name of the Sovereign One, our God;
And they shall remain, for now a greatness

shall reach to the ends of the earth;

this one shall be peace.”

The Word of God recorded in the book of the prophet Micah.

R: O God, make us turn to You, let us see Your face and we will be safe.

Hear me, O Shepherd of Israel,

enthroned on the cherubs, shine out,

Rouse Your power,

and come to save us!

R: O God, make us turn to You, let us see Your face and we will be safe.

Please, Adonai Sabaoth, relent!

Look down from heaven, look at this vine.

Visit it,

protect what Your own right hand has planted.

R: O God, make us turn to you, let us see Your face and we will be     safe.

Safeguard those You have chosen,

those You have made strong.

Never again will we turn away from You;

restore us, O God.

R: O God, make us turn to you, let us see Your face and we will be safe.