December 24 th: Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve

Isaiah 9:2–7

Titus 2:11–14

The first reading is from the ninth chapter of Isaiah

This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah's king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God's passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

2The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness —  
on them light has shined.
3You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Here ends the reading

The second reading is from the second chapter of Titus

The appearance of God's grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior's final appearance.

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all,   12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,   13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.   14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Here ends the reading