A lectionary is a cycle of biblical readings that runs through the Church Year, beginning at the start of Advent. The United Reformed Church uses the Revised Common Lectionary, which was developed in the 1980s and is now used throughout the world by many Christian denominations.
The lectionary readings for December are as follows. The primary reading for each Sunday is in bold and verses in brackets are optional extras to the main reading.
1 DECEMBER: ADVENT SUNDAY
Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36
8 DECEMBER: SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6
15 DECEMBER: THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18
22 DECEMBER: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
25 DECEMBER: CHRISTMAS DAY
Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)
29 DECEMBER: FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52
For a daily Bible reading, reflection and prayer, visit www.urc.org.uk/dailydevotions