lectionary.com

Christmas Season · Second Sunday after Christmas Day · Year B

Sirach 24:1-2, 8-12

The Praise of Wisdom

January 3, 2027

Solomon Dedicating the Temple outside Jerusalem, Philips Koninck
Solomon Dedicating the Temple outside Jerusalem, Philips Koninck, c. 1664Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen's University
Koninck, better known for wide Dutch panoramas, sets the dedication under an enormous sky with the crowd spread out below it.In the holy tent I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion. In the beloved city he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my domain.Philips KoninckA Dutch painter of enormous flat panoramas under enormous skies, who ran a ferry business on the side.Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen's UniversityA Canadian university gallery in Kingston, Ontario, with a notable group of Dutch and Flemish paintings.Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen's University
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 1:1-18Jn 1:1-18 orJohn 1:1-5, 9-14Jn 1:1-5, 9-14
Second ReadingEph. 1:3-6, 15-18Eph 1:3-6, 15-18
First ReadingSir. 24:1-2, 8-12Sir 24:1-2, 8-12
Responsorial PsalmPs. 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 (John 1:4)Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 (Jn 1:4)

Overview & Insights

“Before the ages, in the beginning, he created me, and for all the ages I shall not cease to be.” (Sirach 24:9)

In this famous poem, Wisdom praises herself in the assembly of the Most High. She came forth from the mouth of God and covered the earth like a mist, seeking a resting place among the peoples. At the Creator's command she pitched her tent in Jacob and took root in Israel, ministering before God in the holy tabernacle on Zion. The passage sings of Wisdom's presence with God from the beginning and her dwelling with his people, a portrait the church has long read alongside the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. It is appointed with John's prologue after Christmas, where the eternal Wisdom of God is seen taking up residence in the world.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Sirach 24:1-2, 8-12

Commentary

Commentary on Sirach (The Father William Most Collection)Commentary on Sir (The Father William Most Collection) Catholic Culture

A Catholic verse commentary on Ben Sira, including Wisdom's self-praise in chapter 24.

The Second Sunday of Christmas, Year C Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Dr. Brant Pitre explains the same Second Sunday readings, including Wisdom pitching her tent in Sirach 24.

Background & Word Study

Ben Sira 24 | Sefaria Library Sefaria

The text of Ben Sira 24 with Jewish scholarly notes and translations.

Sirach 24 - LXX - Bible Study ToolsSir 24 - LXX - Bible Study Tools Bible Study Tools

The Septuagint Greek text of the wisdom hymn as read in the Catholic lectionary.

Questions preachers ask

Why is Sirach 24 read after Christmas?

Its hymn of Wisdom, who comes from God and makes her dwelling among God's people, is heard as a foreshadowing of the Word made flesh in John's prologue, the Sunday's Gospel.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on John 1:1-18 or John 1:1-5, 9-14
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.