Daily Readings - Sun Dec 17 2017
Isaiah
1The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,2to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,10I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.11For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
1 Thessalonians
16Be joyful always;17pray continually;18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.19Do not put out the Spirit's fire;20do not treat prophecies with contempt.21Test everything. Hold on to the good.22Avoid every kind of evil.23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
John
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ. "21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not.Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."22Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"24Now some Pharisees who had been sent25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"26"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know.27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, joy, and witness. The first reading from Isaiah describes a figure anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the oppressed and heal the brokenhearted. This figure is clothed in salvation and justice, symbolizing the joy and celebration of God's redemption. The second reading from Thessalonians encourages believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance, trusting in God's faithfulness. The Gospel presents John the Baptist, who humbly testifies to the Light, preparing the way for the Messiah and baptizing with water, while acknowledging the greater one who is to come.
These readings are set against the backdrop of hope and preparation. Isaiah's prophecy likely occurs during a period of exile or oppression, offering comfort to those awaiting deliverance. Thessalonians addresses early Christians, urging them to maintain a joyful and thankful spirit amidst challenges. John the Baptist's testimony in the Gospel clarifies his role as a precursor to Jesus, emphasizing his humility and focus on the true Messiah. Together, these readings form a narrative arc from the promise of salvation in Isaiah, through the preparatory role of John the Baptist, to the exhortation to live joyfully in the Spirit.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to embrace joy and hope, trusting in God's faithfulness. Like John the Baptist, we are called to be witnesses, pointing others to Christ. Our lives should reflect the salvation we have received, living with gratitude and prayer. The moral lesson is clear: we are to live with joy, hope, and trust, preparing the way for others to encounter Christ, just as John did. Let us strive to embody this message, allowing God's love and redemption to shine through us.