Daily Readings - Wed Dec 25 2019
Isaiah
2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.3Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.4For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Titus
11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Luke
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.2And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter the profound narrative of hope and redemption that defines our faith. The Prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a people emerging from darkness into the light of salvation, heralding the birth of a divine leader who embodies wisdom, power, and peace. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of Luke, where we witness the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The shepherds, simple and vigilant, are the first to receive the angelic announcement of the Savior’s arrival, emphasizing that God’s grace is accessible to all, regardless of status.
The Second Reading from Titus bridges the prophecy and the event, reminding us that the grace of God, revealed in Jesus Christ, calls us to a life of virtue and expectation. It instructs us to reject worldly desires and instead embrace a life of justice and piety, as we await the fulfillment of our hope in Christ’s return. This epistle underscores the transformative power of God’s grace, urging us to live in a manner that reflects the redemption we have received.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded that Jesus’s birth is not merely a historical event but a living reality that illuminates our lives. In our daily struggles and darkness, we find hope in the light of Christ. Let us embrace the call to live justly and humbly, recognizing that the peace and joy announced by the angels are not distant promises but present realities in our hearts. May we, like the shepherds, hasten to encounter Christ, allowing His grace to transform our lives and the world around us.