Daily Readings - Wed Dec 25 2019

Isaiah

2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.3You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.4For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.6For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Titus

11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,13while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Luke

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3And everyone went to his own town to register.4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the 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.