Daily Readings - Sat Dec 25 2021
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 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.