From antiochan.org, rongolini.com, biblegateway.com and dynamispublications.org:
Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: the Fast of the Nativity
Scriptural Readings:
3 Kingdoms 1:15-25, 32-40 (12/19-1/1) Eighth Reading in Kellia: David as a Type of Christ
Succession: 3 Kingdoms 1:15-25, 32-40 SAAS, especially vss. 34, 35: “Then let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him as king over Israel, and blow the ram’s horn, and say, “Long live King Solomon!” Then he shall sit on my throne and be king in my place. For I have appointed him to ruler over Israel and Judah.” The transfer of governmental power in a nation can turn into a season of uncertainty, political bargaining, and even outright civil war unless succession is provided for lawfully and firmly. King David reigned well for many years; yet during his monarchy he faced internecine warfare when challenged by one of his sons, popular Prince Absalom (2 Kg. 13-18). Then, as David’s death neared, the transfer issue arose again.
The present passage reveals how the question of succession was forced upon the King by the self-assertion of another of his sons, ‘Adonijah the son of Haggith’ (3 Kg. 1:5). In the face of this challenge, David showed himself a wise and faithful ruler and a true man of God. As he promised, he immediately placed his son, Solomon, on the throne of Israel, the son whom God Himself would confirm as a worthy king (3 Kg. 3:4-14).
The truth of the matter is that during David’s entire lifetime, succession to the throne of Israel was an ongoing issue. From the day that Samuel obeyed God’s command to anoint David (1 Kg.16:1-13), the young shepherd had the reality of the crown before him. Yet, when he had ready opportunity to murder Saul, the reigning king, and to ‘fast-forward’ his own career to the monarchy, he refused, recognizing the primacy of God in controlling the means of succession (1 Kg. 24). Further, when opportunities came to assume the throne, he submitted to God’s leading in each instance (see 2 Kg. 2:1; and 5:3). Even when his son, Absalom, rose up against him, he rested the matter of the throne in the hands of God (2 Kg. 15:24-29).
Behold how this present reading calls us as Christians to pray to God concerning the issues of succession and inheritance in our lives. Truly, what do we wish to pass on to our children and their generations? Each of us rules but a brief moment over a household, over some tiny ‘kingdom,’ from a few belongings, or perhaps, even to a company or group of businesses - some tangible things. For the majority, probably, the most that we have is a home, a vehicle, maybe two, and a few other possessions, but wealthy or poor, the most important inheritance we ever pass on to those who succeed us is the standing of our family members before the Lord.
May we be blessed as we come to life’s end in the manner of David, King of Israel. In his last words he declared that “...the Mighty One...prepared an everlasting covenant with me, keeping it prepared for every time; for my entire salvation and my every desire is, that the lawless may not in any way flourish” (2 Kg. 23:5). Here is the point for us: when the standing of his household before God was challenged, when Adonijah “...exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king’” (3 Kg. 1:5), David acted that the lawless should not flourish. He guided the succession to assure that the wise and godly Solomon would reign in his stead (3 Kg. 1:32-35).
May David’s example guide us with succession in our households. First, may we place primary emphasis on submission to the Lord and to His will, witnessing always to our children the primacy of God’s will. Second, may we demonstrate in speaking and in acting that we are submitted to the Lord. Third, may we always exert our powers to thwart ambition among our family members who would exalt themselves and control others. Fourth, may we heed the cautions of those of our household who are governed by these principles.
Put far from our home, O Lord, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life: fill us with love, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness.
Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40
Hebrews 11:9-10; Hebrews 11:17-23; Hebrews 11:32-40 (King James Version)
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Hebrews 11:9-10
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9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
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Hebrews 11:17-23
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17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
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Hebrews 11:32-40
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32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
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Matthew 1:1-25
Matthew 1:1-25 (King James Version)
Matthew 1
1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
3And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
5And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
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The Synaxarion:
December 19
Memory of the holy Martyr Boniface (Fourth century)
The slave of a Roman matron of senatorial rank named Aglais, Saint Boniface lived under Diocletian around 290. Sent by his mistress to the Orient to procure some martyr's relics, in jest he promised her that he would soon bring back his own body to her. Accompanied by several of his fellow-servants, he went to Cilicia where the holy martyrs were then suffering. Seized by the President, he courageously confessed his faith and submitted to martyrdom. His companions brought back his holy body. The holy martyr had kept his word.
Fifth Class Feast.
If December 20 falls on a Sunday, the feast of Saint Ignatius the God-bearer of Antioch is anticipated on December 19, which is normally fixed on December 20. After the Troparion of Saint Boniface, then the Troparion of Saint Ignatius will be sung.
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