Daily Readings - Sat Dec 25 2021
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 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.