Daily Readings - Fri Dec 25 2020
Isaiah
2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.3You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.6For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Titus
11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Luke
1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.2This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.3And all went to be registered, each to his own town.4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.6And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
Sermon
The readings today weave a beautiful narrative of hope, grace, and redemption, centered around the birth of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah, we hear a prophecy of a savior who will bring light to a world shrouded in darkness, a leader born to bring peace and justice. This prophecy is fulfilled in the Gospel of Luke, where we witness the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, announced by angels to shepherds, emphasizing His role as the Prince of Peace. The second reading from Titus bridges these two, highlighting God's grace that instructs us to live virtuously, awaiting Christ's return, and reminding us that Jesus's sacrifice redeems us, enabling us to pursue good works.
These readings are deeply connected, as Isaiah's prophecy finds its fulfillment in Luke's narrative, while Titus underscores the ongoing impact of God's grace in our lives. Together, they paint a picture of a God who enters human history to bring light and salvation, calling us to live in hope and virtue. The context of Isaiah's prophecy was a time of despair for Israel, while Luke's account provides the historical and theological significance of Jesus's birth, and Titus offers practical wisdom for Christian living.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to recognize the light of Christ in our darkness, to embrace the grace that transforms us, and to live with hope and virtue. The moral lesson is clear: we are called to respond to God's grace by living justly and lovingly, trusting in the peace and redemption Jesus offers. As we reflect on these readings, may we find renewed hope in the Prince of Peace and strive to embody the grace and love of God in our world.