Daily Readings - Fri Dec 25 2020
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
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.