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First Light

Thursday, December 31, 2026

First Light for Thursday, December 31, 2026. You can scroll the whole Hour, or use Prayer space. Light is shorter.

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Hours Depth: Light

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening

Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Psalm I

Antiphon

A child is born for us; come, let us adore him in the quiet.

Psalm 90 (89):1–2, 14

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Psalm

O Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. Before the mountains became, or the land was formed along with the world: from ages past, even to all ages, you are God. We were filled in the morning with your mercy, and we exulted and delighted all our days.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon

A child is born for us; come, let us adore him in the quiet.

First Reading

John 1:1–14

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made through Him, and nothing that was made was made without Him. Life was in Him, and Life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent by God, whose name was John. He arrived as a witness to offer testimony about the Light, so that all would believe through him. He was not the Light, but he was to offer testimony about the Light. The true Light, which illuminates every man, was coming into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not recognize him. He went to his own, and his own did not accept him. Yet whoever did accept him, those who believed in his name, he gave them the power to become the sons of God. These are born, not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and he lived among us, and we saw his glory, glory like that of an only-begotten Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Intentions

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Shared by the community

For Mary and Dewey as they prepare for their upcoming wedding, may the Holy Spirit be with them and help grow their love for one another through Holy Matrimony.

R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.

For those who wake anxious — speak peace before they plan.

R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Closing prayer

God our Father, you have given us the light of another beginning. Open our lips to praise and our hands to mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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