Lectionary for Christmas Day
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
Reading. Isaiah 9:2-7 When Christians read this passage attention quickly turns to an announcement about Jesus. However as we read this word from Isaiah we need to remember that Isaiah was simply announcing what the Lord God had directed him to announce and Jesus was an unknown figure still in the future. What was in the mind of Isaiah was the thought of the promised Messiah, one who would bring confident hope of rescue. The rampant Assyrians were threatening to conquer Jerusalem and crush Judah, so it was a time of insecurity and fear. Isaiah’s message brings a clear voice of hope, for it reminded people that God had not forgotten them, but was actively working to bring about their rescue. Thus in its time Isaiah’s prophecy was about the long term future of the nation and its people. Such was their precarious position that only the intervention of God could bring about the escape from the threats that the Assyrians posed. Isaiah draws the people’s attention back to the time when Joshua prepared to fight the Midianites and God pared down the fighting men to a mere handful and won a resounding victory. (Judges 7:ff). This recollection reminded the people that it was God who gave the fighters the victory. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus it is good to keep in mind the hope that Isaiah’s prophecy brings. With the coming of a Saviour comes also the assurance that the Lord God holds for each of us, a long term future filled with justice and peace. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NRSV)
Prayer. Almighty God, the promise of a coming Messiah filled your people with hope; so today, as we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ our hope is refreshed. The joy which surrounded his coming is still felt today in many places of our world. For he comes with good news of justice and mercy; a message that is like a light shining in the darkness. We pray that the good news of Jesus will bring a deep sense of peace into hearts and minds so that life can be lives with confidence. As his peace fills our lives may we be stirred to love in ways that would honour his coming among us. With the confidence that Jesus brings we look forward to a world which will declare that he alone is King of kings and Lord of lords. To the honour and glory of your name. Amen
Reading. Psalm 96. The psalmist reminds us that good news is for sharing, especially the good news that God is coming to reshape every part of life. As psalm 40 reminds us, the song we sing is the life we live as much as the words we say: God is the great Creator and everything is sustained by him and for him, so we rejoice that God comes with salvation. It is this sustaining that allows us to live our lives. However, rescue is needed for we often put our trust in false things; things which cannot deliver us or give us life, and so the psalmist is reminding his readers that the Lord God is the only one who can be trusted to bring the outcome that is best for us. In life we are to live in ways that reflect the goodness of God’s gift of life to us: this is how we truly give God his worth. The quote from verse 9 of the psalm, O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: (Psalm 96:9 KJV) is an inscription that was emblazoned on the front of many older churches and chapels. Growing up I have concentrated on these words through many long and rather abstract sermons!. Only in later life comes the realisation that this verse reminds us that God is other than we are, and it is because of that, we can place our trust in the God who is Creator and not a creature. This is one of the thoughts that the psalmist is bringing to our attention: Because the Lord God is the Creator, earth and heaven will not be shaken and life will go on. With God comes also the future hope that when God comes, judgment will bring justice equally to every aspect of the creation. So, trusting in God we can be at peace. Say among the nations, “The LORD is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.” Psalm 96:10 (NRSV)
Prayer. Almighty God, year upon year we hear the good news that the Word made flesh has come among us. As we hear this good news may we rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus lives and reigns with you and is preparing to come once again, bringing with him the renewal of all the earth. Grant to us such faith as will allow us in both good and not so good times to lift our voices in heartfelt thanksgiving for Jesus’ ongoing work. Jesus came in great humility and served you, so may we serve, recognising the needs of those around us and out of his goodness and grace sharing what we have. Grant that our rejoicing not be in word only but in action inspired by your divine nature. Under your Lordship may we all live in peace and harmony, so giving glory to you: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
Collect. Let us pray (for the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace): Almighty God and Father of light, a Child is born for us and a Son is given to us. Your eternal Word leaped down from heaven in the silent watches of the night, and now your Church is filled with wonder at the nearness of her God. Open our hearts to receive his life and increase our vision with the rising of dawn, that our lives may be filled with his glory and his peace, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
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