Daily Readings - Sun Dec 25 2022
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 invite us to reflect on the profound gift of light and redemption brought by the birth of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah, we hear of a prophecy fulfilled—a light shining in darkness, heralding the birth of a child who is the Prince of Peace. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of Luke, where we witness the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, announced by angels to shepherds, symbolizing God's message of salvation to all, especially the marginalized. The second reading from Titus reminds us of the transformative power of God's grace, calling us to live virtuous lives as we await the return of our Savior.
These readings are deeply interconnected, as Isaiah's prophecy is realized in Luke's narrative, and Titus elucidates the implications of this event for our lives. The birth of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a divine act of redemption, offering us liberation from sin and the gift of eternal peace. The context of these readings is rooted in the expectation of a Messiah who would bring light to a world shrouded in darkness, a hope that is realized in the person of Jesus Christ.
In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this light and allow it to transform us. Just as the shepherds responded with haste and joy to the angelic announcement, we too can respond to God's grace with openness and eagerness. The moral lesson here is one of hope and transformation. Jesus's birth reminds us that no matter our circumstances, God's light can pierce through any darkness. We are invited to live in the hope of this light, striving to reflect it in our actions and choices, and to share this joy with others, just as the shepherds did. Let us embrace the Prince of Peace, allowing His light to guide us in living lives of love, justice, and peace.