Daily Readings - Sat Dec 25 2021
Isaiah
2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. A light has risen for the inhabitants of the region of the shadow of death3You have increased the nation, but you have not increased the rejoicing. They will rejoice before you, like those who rejoice at the harvest, like the victorious exulting after capturing the prey, when they divide the spoils4For you have prevailed over the yoke of their burden, and over the rod of their shoulder, and over the scepter of their oppressor, as in the day of Midian6For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given. And leadership is placed upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called: wonderful Counselor, mighty God, father of the future age, Prince of Peace7His reign will be increased, and there will be no end to his peace. He will sit upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to confirm and strengthen it, in judgment and justice, from now even unto eternity. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall accomplish this
Titus
11For the grace of God our Savior has appeared to all men12instructing us to reject impiety and worldly desires, so that we may live soberly and justly and piously in this age13looking forward to the blessed hope and the advent of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ14He gave himself for our sake, so that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse for himself an acceptable people, pursuers of good works
Luke
1And it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, so that the whole world would be enrolled2This was the first enrollment; it was made by the ruler of Syria, Quirinius3And all went to be declared, each one to his own city4Then Joseph also ascended from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David5in order to be declared, with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child6Then it happened that, while they were there, the days were completed, so that she would give birth7And she brought forth her firstborn son. And she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn8And there were shepherds in the same region, being vigilant and keeping watch in the night over their flock9And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near them, and the brightness of God shone around them, and they were struck with a great fear10And the Angel said to them: "Do not be afraid. For, behold, I proclaim to you a great joy, which will be for all the people11For today a Saviour has been born for you in the city of David: he is Christ the Lord12And this will be a sign for you: you will find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.13And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the celestial army, praising God and saying14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.15And it happened that, when the Angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us cross over to Bethlehem and see this word, which has happened, which the Lord has revealed to us.16And they went quickly. And they found Mary and Joseph; and the infant was lying in a manger
Sermon
The readings today paint a beautiful picture of hope, redemption, and the fulfillment of God’s promise. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear of a people who walked in darkness but have now seen a great light. This light is the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, whose birth brings joy and liberation from oppression. The prophet describes this Messiah as a child born to us, a son given to us, who carries the weight of leadership and brings peace that will never end. This passage, written centuries before Christ, sets the stage for the coming of Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.
In the second reading from Titus, we are reminded of the grace of God that has appeared to all people. This grace is not just a feeling or a concept but a transformative power that instructs us to live soberly, justly, and devoutly in this age. It calls us to reject the emptiness of worldly desires and instead pursue lives marked by good works, all while looking forward to the hope of Christ’s return. This passage emphasizes that our faith is not just about waiting passively but about living actively in a way that reflects the love and justice of God.
The Gospel reading from Luke brings us to the moment of fulfillment. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is the answer to Isaiah’s prophecy and the embodiment of Titus’ description of God’s grace. The shepherds, simple and humble, are the first to receive the news of the Savior’s birth. The angels declare that this child is Christ the Lord, and the sign of His presence is His humility—wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The shepherds’ response is one of faith and action: they go quickly to see this wonder, and they find Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus just as the angels described.
These readings remind us that God’s plan is one of light in darkness, hope in despair, and peace in turmoil. Just as the shepherds were called to trust the message of the angels, we are called to trust in God’s promises. In our daily lives, we can reflect on how we might be called to live out the grace of God, rejecting the pull of worldly desires and instead pursuing lives of justice, peace, and love. Let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling us to trust in His plan? How can we, like the shepherds, respond with faith and action? May we, like Mary and Joseph, embrace the humility and simplicity of Christ’s presence in our lives, and may we, like the angels, proclaim His glory to a world in need of hope.