The first reading for Christmas reaches back in time to remember the people of Galilee and the northern kingdom of Israel, who after the Assyrians defeated them in 721 B.C. were a people in darkness and their area a land of gloom. The Liturgy of the Word wants us to recognize in Jesus the new king Isaiah prophesied seven centuries earlier.
The light Isaiah long ago promised shines in Jesus. The king whose names Wonder-Counsel, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace promise a new era is born. Isaiah is the prophet of God’s fidelity to Israel.
God is faithful.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom,
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant
joy and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you at the
harvest or when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed as at Midian.
For every boot that trampled in
battle and cloak rolled in blood
will be burned, fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us,
a son is given us; they name him
Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David’s throne,
and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice
both now and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9.1-6
- What passages in the Christmas scriptures help you see God’s faithfulness in your life and in our world today?
- What scripture quotations on greetings cards best speak the meaning of Christmas to you?
- What promise do you see in your children?
- What would you name the leader we need to have born into our world today?