Daily Readings - Sun Jan 09 2022
Isaiah
1Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.3A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.4Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.5And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."9You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"10See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.11He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
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.
4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Luke
15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ.16John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Sermon
The readings today weave together themes of preparation, grace, and divine love, guiding us to reflect on our spiritual journey. Isaiah 40 offers a message of hope and consolation, urging us to prepare our hearts for the Lord's coming, much like clearing a path through a wilderness. This prophecy not only foretells the Messiah's arrival but also calls us to spiritual readiness, emphasizing that God's glory will be revealed to all.
Titus 2 and 3 build on this by highlighting the transformative power of God's grace. We are instructed to live virtuous lives, not through our own efforts, but through the mercy and regeneration brought by the Holy Spirit. This grace renews us, making us heirs of eternal life, reminding us that our salvation is a gift, not something earned.
In Luke 3, the narrative shifts to the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy through John the Baptist and Jesus. John's humility and recognition of his role as a precursor to Jesus illustrate the importance of acknowledging our place in God's plan. Jesus' baptism, with the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, confirms His divine mission and God's pleasure in Him.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace a life of preparation and openness to God's grace. Just as John prepared the way, we too can clear paths for the Lord in our hearts and communities. By living with humility and virtue, we reflect God's love and participate in His plan. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's grace, prepare your heart, and live with hope, knowing His glory will be revealed in our lives.