Lectionary for Christmas Day Part 2
Reading. Titus 2:11-14. In the letter to Titus we note that Titus was a Gentile and probably a person converted by the teaching of Paul who if you read the introductory part of this letter had a great affection for Brother Titus. A strong advocate, he was Paul’s representative in Corinth. (2Corth 7:15) Titus being a gentile helps us make more sense of the following comments.
In the first verse of this reading you will notice the word “all”, “bringing salvation to all” Titus 2:11 (NRSV). As far back as John Calvin biblical scholars have discussed what this might mean. Calvin and a great number of biblical scholars take “all” to mean, “any, everyone, everything”: Put simply, no matter where you stand, no matter who you are, God’s grace in Jesus Christ appeared for your salvation. In the final verse of our reading Paul uses the personal word “us’. Through salvation Jesus has gathered in a people who are his own. There is a wonderful sense of inclusion in this verse. Paul, a Christian Jew and Titus, a Christian Gentile represent the whole spectrum of people who would be reading or hearing the teaching in the New Testament. Jesus Christ has appeared to bring salvation to all. This salvation has still to be fully revealed and so we wait with anticipation for whatever more God will reveal. While we wait we are being trained by Christ’s salvation to live as Christians in today’s world. Paul is reminding us that receiving salvation does not leave us unchanged or unmoved. Think of the words that he uses in the version of the bible you are using. The Living Bible uses, wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God. While salvation is given as a gift by Jesus and is available to all, all we who receive his salvation need to allow it to influence our lives, thus bringing a Christian presence wherever we are. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)
Prayer. Holy God, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ brings for us the possibility of forgiveness and change. A chance to leave the past behind and begin again in a new way. We thank and praise you for the new life that Jesus brings. May we live our lives in close harmony with you looking always for your guidance and direction. Keep us we pray, on the pathway you have provided for us: in all we do may you be honoured. As you give us strength to live, may we use that strength to share your love and kindness with all we meet. And may your name be glorified. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus has many points to ponder. Luke places the birth at a particular historical time, namely when Augustus was Caesar of the Roman Empire and there was a Roman governor in Syria. Luke is anchoring the birth in much the same way that Matthew records an historical time by referring to King Herod. Luke is telling us that this is a datable event and marks a time when Jesus entered into human history, our history. We readily accept this and the portrayal of no place to find lodging is totally commonplace in today’s world. Then we have bright stars, angel choirs, and shepherds, all helping to give us an understanding that these events happened in our world, we could easily have been there.
Luke however has also introduced a future aspect to this birth when he reminds us of that very familiar Christmas phrase, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 (NKJV) This was the message from the heavenly choir. If we date Luke’s gospel around AD 60 then this was a turbulent time for Luke’s region and the Roman Empire as a whole. Over a period of about 30 years a number of Caesars were assassinated and the Empire was in trouble in many areas not least in Palestine. Peace and goodwill were in short supply and into that mix Luke introduces the coming of Messiah, the one who was destined to liberate Israel. Thus Luke is not expecting peace and goodwill in the immediate but is recognising that the affects of this birth will be sometime in the future. He writes this with the knowledge that Jesus would be crucified but then return to lead his followers. It was a movement that would change the world and Luke could already sense that this faith movement had begun. The cry of the early church that “Jesus is Lord!” was more than a declaration of faith; it was also a stand against the empires pronouncement that “Caesar is Lord!” Luke sees this birth as the beginning of Jesus Christ’s mission to win back not only the lost sheep of Israel but the whole world. No wonder Luke describes a cosmic birth story which encompasses both heaven and earth. This birth is Good News for his time as people looked for peace and stability and a time to honour God. Luke’s message says much the same to us: As we celebrate this Christmas may we too read into Luke’s description of our Lord’s coming much more than a baby in a manger; may we recognise an event that continues to affect the world in which we live and brings us both hope and blessing. .
Prayer. O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel. Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to be the Redeemer of all people, with wonder and love we thank and praise you for your gracious gift. In a turbulent world, grant that as we hear again the Christmas message our hearts may be stirred once more to love and worship Jesus our Saviour. May the sacrifice of his coming touch hearts and lives across our world and bring a message of hope and reconciliation. May those who live in plenty share life with those who have no place to call home. May those in need find comfort and shelter: and let “Good will to all”, be not only on our lips but demonstrated by our actions. To you who has given us so much, we offer our humble thanks and praise. To you be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen
Collect. O God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem: may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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