Daily Readings - Wed Dec 25 2024
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 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.