Daily Readings - Wed Dec 25 2024
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 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.