Daily Readings - Mon Dec 25 2017
First Reading - Isaiah 9.2-4, 6-7
Isaiah
2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. A light has risen for the inhabitants of the region of the shadow of death3You have increased the nation, but you have not increased the rejoicing. They will rejoice before you, like those who rejoice at the harvest, like the victorious exulting after capturing the prey, when they divide the spoils4For you have prevailed over the yoke of their burden, and over the rod of their shoulder, and over the scepter of their oppressor, as in the day of Midian6For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given. And leadership is placed upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called: wonderful Counselor, mighty God, father of the future age, Prince of Peace7His reign will be increased, and there will be no end to his peace. He will sit upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to confirm and strengthen it, in judgment and justice, from now even unto eternity. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall accomplish this
Second Reading - Titus 2.11-14
Titus
11For the grace of God our Savior has appeared to all men12instructing us to reject impiety and worldly desires, so that we may live soberly and justly and piously in this age13looking forward to the blessed hope and the advent of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ14He gave himself for our sake, so that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse for himself an acceptable people, pursuers of good works
Gospel - Luke 2.1-16
Luke
1And it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, so that the whole world would be enrolled2This was the first enrollment; it was made by the ruler of Syria, Quirinius3And all went to be declared, each one to his own city4Then Joseph also ascended from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David5in order to be declared, with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child6Then it happened that, while they were there, the days were completed, so that she would give birth7And she brought forth her firstborn son. And she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn8And there were shepherds in the same region, being vigilant and keeping watch in the night over their flock9And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near them, and the brightness of God shone around them, and they were struck with a great fear10And the Angel said to them: "Do not be afraid. For, behold, I proclaim to you a great joy, which will be for all the people11For today a Saviour has been born for you in the city of David: he is Christ the Lord12And this will be a sign for you: you will find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.13And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the celestial army, praising God and saying14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.15And it happened that, when the Angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us cross over to Bethlehem and see this word, which has happened, which the Lord has revealed to us.16And they went quickly. And they found Mary and Joseph; and the infant was lying in a manger
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through the promise of light in darkness, the call to virtuous living, and the humble arrival of our Savior. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a people oppressed, yet destined to see a great light. This light is the Messiah, a child born to lead with wisdom and peace, fulfilling an ancient prophecy. The letter to Titus reminds us that God's grace, revealed in Jesus, calls us to live with integrity and hope, awaiting His return. Luke's Gospel then unfolds the Nativity, where Jesus, the embodiment of this light, is born in Bethlehem, announced by angels to humble shepherds.
These readings intertwine beautifully, showing how Isaiah's prophecy finds fulfillment in Luke's narrative. The grace Titus speaks of is personified in Jesus, who brings light and peace. His birth in a manger, amidst the chaos of a census, underscores the humility and divine plan behind His coming. This interconnection reminds us that God's promises are fulfilled in unexpected ways, offering hope and transformation.
In our daily lives, let us embrace the light Jesus brings, especially in our darkest moments. As Titus encourages, may we live with integrity and kindness, reflecting the grace we've received. Just as the shepherds responded with haste and joy, let us too seek Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and share His love with others. This season invites us to renew our commitment to virtuous living and to find peace in God's presence, transforming our hearts and the world around us.