Daily Readings - Wed Dec 25 2024
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 weave a narrative of hope and redemption, centered on the birth of Jesus Christ. Isaiah's prophecy paints a picture of a people emerging from darkness into the light of a savior, a promise of liberation and peace. This hope is fulfilled in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus's birth in Bethlehem is announced to shepherds, symbolizing God's message to the humble and marginalized. The second reading from Titus bridges these, urging believers to live virtuous lives as they await Christ's return, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace.
These readings are deeply interconnected, with Isaiah's prophecy finding its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. The Gospel story of Jesus's birth is not just a historical event but a spiritual turning point, where God's promise of a savior is realized. Titus reminds us that this grace calls us to a life of justice and piety, living in anticipation of Christ's presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, this message invites us to embrace hope and virtue. Just as the shepherds responded with faith and urgency, we too can seek out the presence of Christ in our midst. The moral lesson is clear: the light of Christ overcomes all darkness, and living in His grace compels us to a life of justice and love. May we, like the shepherds, hasten to encounter Christ, allowing His light to guide us in our journey towards a life of virtue and peace.