Scriptures for the Christ-Mass (Christmas Eve)

Here are the scripture readings for Christmas Eve.

(St. Paul's uses the Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary readings which are a little different from the Prayer Book Lections. The recent General Convention authorized the RCL as our official lectionary.)

December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve, Year C
Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary

The Collect
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him
perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he
lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Scriptures

Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 98
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20

Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those
who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined.
You 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. For 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. For all the boots of the tramping
warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as
fuel for the fire. For 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. His 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.
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What is the circumstance of "deep darkness" that the prophet refers to? What military and other violent images are part of that darkness?
Look at the words that describe the hope invested in this child.
What did that mean to Isaiah? Why was this important to the early church?
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Psalm 98 Cantate Domino

1 Sing to the LORD a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.
2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.
3 The LORD has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in
the sight of the nations.
4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to
the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the
victory of our God.
5 Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6 Sing to the LORD with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the LORD.
8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
when he comes to judge the earth.
11 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.
__________________

What is the most important victory that God must accomplish?
_________________________________________________________

Titus 3:4-7
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior
appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness
that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water
of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured
out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having
been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
_________________

What does Jesus' appearance mean to you?
__________________________________________________________

Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all
the world should be registered. This was the first registration
and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to
their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town
of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called
Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of
David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged
and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time
came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her
firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in
a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping
watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood
before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for
see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the
Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a
child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest
heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this
thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child
lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had
been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these
words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as
it had been told them.
___________________

Like so many refugee families who are forced to travel because of political forces, this peasant couple is displaced as they are expecting the birth of their baby. Shepherds were a disreputable lot; dirty and dishonest, according to conventional thought.
What do you think when the church says that this is the way God comes into the world?
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Lowell

The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR