Daily Readings - Fri Dec 25 2020
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
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.