Scripture Readings 25th December 2021, Nativity of the Lord, Year C (night)
Around 720 BC Judah was threatened by many enemies. Isaiah advised the kings to stand firm, because the Lord would give a sign: “the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel”, meaning “With us is God”. Today’s reading rejoices in the coming peaceful dominion of this child.
The Psalm calls us and the whole of creation to rejoice at this birth of the Lord.
Paul tells Titus that in this birth “God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race”.
On Sunday the Gospel told of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Today Luke places the birth of the Christ firmly in time and space. Tradition insists that Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, and grew up in Nazareth in Galilee. The Messiah was not born of noble parents to live in a mansion, but into a country family, forced temporarily away from home. The peace and quiet of the undercroft, where animals gave warmth, must have been a welcome relief for Mary, after the noise and bustle of the inn. The royal birth announcement was sent not to royalty, but to shepherds, outcasts excluded from Temple worship by their occupation. From the start of Luke’s gospel Jesus’ message is taken to the poor.
Psalm Responses:
Day: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.