The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Monday, December 25, 2023—Christmas Day
Celestial Harmony: A Christmas Day Reflection on Divine Messages and Miracles
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]; John 1:1-14
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Christmas Day)
Introduction
with Commentary
Monday, December 25, 2023—Christmas Day
Celestial Harmony: A Christmas Day Reflection on Divine Messages and Miracles
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]; John 1:1-14
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Christmas Day)
Introduction
On this blessed Christmas Day, as we gather in joyful celebration, let us delve into the profound messages of Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12], and John 1:1-14. These passages offer a harmonious symphony of divine revelation, echoing the joyous news of Christ's birth and the unfolding of God's grand plan for humanity. Isaiah speaks of the beauty of those who bring good news, heralding peace and salvation. Psalm 98 calls us to sing a new song to the Lord, celebrating His marvelous deeds. The letter to the Hebrews magnificently unfolds the supremacy of Christ, the Son, as the ultimate revelation of God's glory. Finally, the Gospel of John invites us into the profound mystery of the Word becoming flesh, illuminating the world with the true light of grace and truth. As we reflect on these scriptures, let our hearts be filled with the wonder and awe of the first Christmas, when the divine intersected with the human, bringing hope and transformation to all creation.
Opening Prayer
(Isaiah 52, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1, John 1)
(Isaiah 52, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1, John 1)
Heavenly Father, on this blessed Christmas Day, we gather in humble gratitude, hearts alight with the joy of Your divine love. Inspired by the words of Isaiah, we rejoice in the beautiful feet of those who bring good news, proclaiming peace, bringing good tidings, announcing salvation. We witness Your glory revealed, as foretold, a light for all nations.
In the spirit of Psalm 98, we sing a new song unto You, Lord, for the marvelous things You have done. Your right hand and holy arm have worked salvation, and Your righteousness has been revealed to the nations. We join the earth, the sea, and all that is within in jubilant praise, exulting in the King who rules with equity and uprightness.
Through the wisdom of Hebrews, we are reminded of how You, O God, have spoken to us by Your Son, whom You appointed heir of all things, and through whom also You made the universe. He is the radiance of Your glory and the exact representation of Your being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. We marvel at such a wondrous gift, the imprint of Your nature, bringing redemption.
And in the light of John's Gospel, we reflect on the Word made flesh, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. We embrace the true light that gives light to everyone, born into the world this holy day.
Lord, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, let our hearts be transformed by the message of Your love and grace. May we embody the joy, peace, and hope that His birth brings to our lives and to the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
As we gather to celebrate Christmas Day, a day of joy and hope, we turn our hearts to the profound words of Isaiah 52:7-10. This passage resonates with the spirit of Christmas, offering a timeless message of redemption, peace, and divine love. It speaks of the beautiful feet of those who bring good news, proclaiming peace, salvation, and the reign of our God. On this special day, as we reflect upon these verses, let us embrace their significance in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who embodies the fulfillment of this prophetic vision.52 7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes.
9 Burst into songs of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.
Commentary
Isaiah 52:7-10 speaks profoundly to the heart of the Christmas message. Verse 7 begins with a beautiful imagery of messengers bringing good news, echoing the angels' announcement of Christ's birth to the shepherds. It is a heralding of peace and salvation, much like the peace and salvation Christ brought to the world.
Verse 8 continues this theme, depicting a watchful Jerusalem that breaks into joyous song as they see the Lord returning to Zion. This can be paralleled with the world rejoicing at the birth of Christ, the Messiah, who comes to dwell among His people.
In verse 9, the ruins of Jerusalem are called to burst into song, symbolizing the redemption and restoration that comes through Christ. The desolation caused by sin is replaced with the joy of salvation, a central theme of Christmas.
Finally, verse 10 culminates with the Lord revealing His holy arm, a representation of God’s power and salvation being made known to all nations. The birth of Jesus signifies this revelation, as it is through Him that all people can witness God’s salvation and power.
Together, these verses from Isaiah encapsulate the essence of Christmas: the celebration of God's love and salvation coming to earth through Jesus Christ. They remind us of the joy, peace, and hope that Christ's birth brings to the world, urging us to spread this good news, just as the messengers in Isaiah did.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 98
The Victory of our God
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 98
The Victory of our God
As we gather to celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior, we turn to Psalm 98, a song of jubilant praise. This psalm invites us to witness the wonders God has performed and the salvation He has brought to the Earth. In the spirit of Christmas, Psalm 98 resonates with the joy and hope that Christ's birth brings to the world. It calls upon all creation, from the rivers to the mountains, to join in a chorus of exultation. As we read and reflect on this psalm, we are reminded of the great joy and peace that Jesus' coming offers to all humanity, urging us to rejoice and proclaim His love and grace.1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things; *
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known *
And revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to Israel; *
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, *
Burst into jubilant song with music;
5 Make music to the Lord with the harp, *
With the harp and the sound of singing,
6 With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— *
Shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it, *
The world, and all who live in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
Let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 Let them sing before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth. *
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.
Heavenly Father, on this blessed Christmas day, we gather in Your holy presence, filled with gratitude and awe for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we reflect upon Psalm 98, we are inspired by its call to joyful praise and celebration of Your marvelous deeds. Lord, just as the psalmist proclaims Your victory and righteousness, we too celebrate the salvation and hope brought to us through Christ's birth.
We thank You for the joy and peace that Jesus brings into our lives and into our world. Help us to echo the psalmist's joyful noise, to sing a new song of Your love and faithfulness. May our hearts be stirred by the melody of Your grace, and may our lives reflect the light of Christ to all around us.
On this Christmas day, we join with all creation—the seas, rivers, and mountains—in exulting before You. We praise You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness, shown so profoundly in the gift of Your Son. May our celebration today honor You and spread the message of Your love and salvation to the ends of the earth.
Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
As we gather to celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas Day, we turn our hearts and minds to the profound message in Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]. This passage eloquently declares the majesty of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is the exact representation of God's being and the radiance of His glory. It speaks of a Savior who is not just a messenger, but the very essence of God, sent to the world not only to communicate God's will but to enact the ultimate plan of salvation through His life, death, and resurrection.1 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
[5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
7 In speaking of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.”
8 But about the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
10 He also says,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.”]
Commentary
Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12] presents a powerful theological foundation for the Christmas story. It contrasts the ways God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets with the ultimate revelation through His Son. This passage emphasizes the superiority of Christ over the angels, a theme that underscores His divine nature and authority. The verses reveal that Jesus, being the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, upholds all things by His powerful word. This speaks to the omnipotence and preeminence of Christ, asserting His role in creation and maintenance of the universe.
The latter part of the passage, verses 5-12, further establishes the eternal nature of Christ. Quotations from Psalms and other Old Testament scriptures highlight the enduring kingship and priesthood of Jesus, contrasting His unchanging nature with the temporal and changing creation. This passage reminds us, especially during Christmas, of the eternal and unchanging nature of Christ's reign and His role as our Savior. As we celebrate His birth, we are called to acknowledge and rejoice in His divine nature, which brings light and life to the world. This section of Hebrews invites believers to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation: God becoming man, dwelling among us, and providing a path to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
As we gather to celebrate Christmas Day, our hearts turn to the profound and poetic words of John 1:1-14. This scripture, often referred to as the Prologue to the Gospel of John, invites us into a contemplative journey about the nature and incarnation of Jesus Christ. In these verses, we encounter the concept of the Word (Logos) that was with God and was God, a foundational truth underscoring the divine nature of Christ. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the true essence of Christmas: the embodiment of God's Word in human form, bringing light and life to a world in darkness.1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Commentary
John 1:1-14 opens with a powerful assertion of Jesus' divinity, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This introduction sets the tone for the entire Gospel, emphasizing Jesus not just as a messenger of God, but as God Himself, existing from the beginning. Verses 4 and 5 speak of Jesus as the source of life and light, shining in the darkness, a theme central to the Christmas narrative. The text further describes the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us (v. 14), a direct reference to the incarnation. This miraculous event highlights God's immense love and desire to be intimately connected with humanity. The passage also touches upon themes of recognition and acceptance, noting that while the world did not recognize Him, those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God. This offers a powerful message of hope and invitation, encouraging believers to embrace the light of Christ and become part of God's family. As we celebrate Christmas, these verses call us to reflect on the profound mystery of the incarnation and the transformative power of embracing Jesus as the true Light of the World.
Benediction
(Isaiah 52, Psalm 98, John 1)
(Isaiah 52, Psalm 98, John 1)
May the Lord bless you and keep you on this joyous Christmas Day. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, may your feet be beautiful upon the mountains as you bring good news of peace and salvation, heralding the reign of our God.
May you sing to the Lord a new song, as the Psalmist declares, for He has done marvelous things. Let His right hand and His holy arm work salvation for the earth. May all the ends of the earth see the salvation of our God.
As you go forth, remember the Word that was in the beginning, the Word that was with God, and the Word that was God. May the light of Christ, which shines in the darkness, illuminate your path and never be overcome.
Let the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ dwell richly in your hearts, and may His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds.
Go in peace, filled with the joy and love of this holy season, carrying the light of Christ into the world. Amen.
Mary Did You Know
Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, December 25, 2023—Christmas Day
Celestial Harmony: A Christmas Day Reflection on Divine Messages and Miracles
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]; John 1:1-14
On this blessed Christmas Day, as we gather in joyful celebration, let us delve into the profound messages of today's readings. These passages offer a harmonious symphony of divine revelation, echoing the joyous news of Christ's birth and the unfolding of God's grand plan for humanity. Isaiah speaks of the beauty of those who bring good news, heralding peace and salvation. Psalm 98 calls us to sing a new song to the Lord, celebrating His marvelous deeds. The letter to the Hebrews magnificently unfolds the supremacy of Christ, the Son, as the ultimate revelation of God's glory. Finally, the Gospel of John invites us into the profound mystery of the Word becoming flesh, illuminating the world with the true light of grace and truth. As we reflect on these scriptures, let our hearts be filled with the wonder and awe of the first Christmas, when the divine intersected with the human, bringing hope and transformation to all creation.
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