Daily Readings - Mon Dec 25 2023
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
In today's readings, we journey through the prophecy of Isaiah, the instructional letter of Titus, and the narrative of Luke, each weaving a tapestry of hope, grace, and redemption. Isaiah's prophecy illuminates a people emerging from darkness into the light of a promised Messiah, a child born to bring peace and justice. Titus reminds us of God's grace that instructs us to live virtuously, anticipating the return of our Savior. Luke's Gospel vividly portrays the fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus, born in humility, yet proclaimed as the Savior by angels to shepherds.
These readings are interconnected, with Isaiah's prophecy finding its fulfillment in Luke's narrative. The Messiah's arrival is not just a historical event but a divine intervention that brings light to darkness. Titus bridges this event with our present, urging us to live in the grace of this redemption, striving for justice and sobriety as we await Christ's return.
In our daily lives, the birth of Jesus invites us to embrace hope and live in the light of God's grace. We are called to reject sin and embrace a life of virtue, reflecting the love and justice of Christ. As we celebrate the incarnation, let us remember that the true spirit of Christmas is living as children of God, bringing His love and peace to the world. May we, like the shepherds, hasten to encounter Christ, allowing His grace to transform us and guide us in living justly and lovingly.