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Nativity of Our Lord • Year C
December 24, 2024 • Christmas Eve
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Historical Collect
O God, you have made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Grant that as we have known on earth the mysteries of that Light, we may also come to the fullness of his joys in heaven; through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
God of majesty, on this holy night your light and life broke into the darkness of our human condition. Grant that your light and life will continue to shine through us into a dark and weary world until that time when your glory reigns forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
The expectation of a child is always a reason for hope. Oh, but this child is promised to be extra special: he will be the ruler of an eternal kingdom. He brings salvation with him, the gifts of glory, light, and redemption wrapped in baby clothes and lain in a feed bin. He is the long-awaited sign that God is really with us.
First Reading • Isaiah 9:2–7
Luther calls the “darkness” mentioned in our text, “error, unrighteousness, notions, a false understanding of the Law, etc.” The “light” he says, is “the Gospel, the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Works, vol 16). The darkness is a yoke, a burden. But the light breaks the rod of this oppressing darkness. What the darkness in mankind will never overcome, God conquers by a child. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,” who will govern the kingdom of God that is now multiplied by Gentiles. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”
Psalm • Psalm 96:1–13
“The Lord reigns” (v10). Sometimes it does not seem like God reigns. We do not feel the truth in the Psalmist’s words. Only by faith do we know that he reigns. Yet, on this evening, we sense the truth in a more palpable way. On this night, we sense that “all is calm; all is bright.” May this peace of heart rule the rest of our days.
Second Reading • Titus 2:11–14
Paul announces the grace taught in the Gospel: “For the grace of God has appeared.” This is the grace of God that Jesus demonstrated by giving himself for us. (v14) This is “our blessed hope” (v13), anchored both in proclamation and in practice. Tonight, we await his return, “the appearing of the great glory of our great God and Savior,” by remembering his first advent. Tonight, we remember that God came into a godless world to bring salvation for all people.
Gospel • Luke 2:1–14, 15–20
An imperial edict went out that the world should be registered. Yet, a far greater decree went out from the throne of heaven. God announced that on this day, a Savior is born in the City of David, who would govern a world reaching far beyond the Roman Empire. God declared that in Christ the Lord, the world will know peace. In Christ alone is the “fullness of blessing” (Rom 15:29), the “fullness of his grace” (John 1:16). The Pax Romana was a great thing but only the Child in the manger is true, everlasting peace.
Resources
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