Daily readings

Sunday, December 13, 2026

3rd Sunday of Advent. Advent. A clean reading layout for church, prayer, or preparation.

Celebration3rd Sunday of Advent

TypeSunday

SeasonAdvent

Year2026 archive

The Roman Catholic readings for this date are shown below on-site. Use plain reading mode if you want clearer modern wording, or switch back to the original Douay-Rheims wording at any time.

Reading mode

Plain mode helps modern readers follow the text more easily.

On-site scripture text: Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition. Plain mode is a built-in reading aid that modernizes older wording for easier understanding while keeping the same Roman Catholic reading references for the day.

1

First Reading

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

How to approach it

Read this as the first big movement of the day. Notice what God is doing, who is speaking, and what part of the story or teaching should stay with you.

10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he has clothed me with the clothes of salvation: and with the robe of righteousness he has covered me, as a bridegroom decked with a crown, and as a bride adorned with her jewels.

11For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth her offspring to shoot forth: so shall the Lord God make righteousness to spring forth, and praise before all the nations.

2

Psalm

Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

How to pray it

The psalm is meant to be prayed, not rushed. If the wording feels older, focus on the main movement of the prayer: trust, praise, sorrow, gratitude, or hope.

46And Mary said: My soul does magnify the Lord.

47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

48Because he has regarded the humility of his servant; for look from now on all generations shall call me blessed.

49Because he that is mighty, has done great things to me; and holy is his name.

50And his mercy is from generation to generations, to them that fear him.

53He has satisfied the hungry with good things; and the rich he has sent empty away.

54He has received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy:

3

Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

How to read it

This reading often teaches Christians how to live with steadiness, charity, and faith. Look for one clear encouragement or warning you can carry into the day.

16Always rejoice.

17Pray without ceasing.

18In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.

19Extinguish not the spirit.

20Despise not prophecies.

21But prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves.

23And may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24He is faithful who has called you, who also will do it.

4

Gospel

John 1:6-8, 19-28

What to watch for

The Gospel is the center of the reading set. Pay close attention to what Jesus says, what Jesus does, and what response he is asking for.

6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7This man came for a witness, to give teaching of the light, that all men might believe through him.

8He was not the light, but was to give teaching of the light.

19And this is the teaching of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: Who art you?

20And he confessed, and did not deny: and he confessed: I am not the Christ.

21And they asked him: What then? Art you Elias? And he said: I am not. Art you the prophet? And he answered: No.

22They said therefore to him: Who art you, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest you of yourself?

23He said: I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaias.

24And those who were sent, were of the Pharisees.

25And they asked him, and said to him: Why then do you baptize, if you be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the prophet?

26John answered them, saying: I baptize with water; but there has stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not.

27The same is the one who will come after me, who is preferred before me: the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose.

28These things were done in Bethania, beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Source note

This page uses the Catholic Readings API for the day's references and liturgical celebration data, while the on-site scripture text is rendered from the public-domain Douay-Rheims Bible distributed through the Open Bibles project.