Christmas Eve
December 24, 2009

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

The first reading can make us stop and think, especially if we have not known 
the frustration of growing crops, only to see them devoured along with your lifestyle 
by invading armies, or nurtured wine only to see it guzzled by strangers!   
If we are in a war zone, we will immediately understand. Otherwise, 
we might compare it to someone else getting credit for something 
on which you worked hard and well,  so that the other person got promoted 
and you were fired!

The reading is from the third Isaiah, who prophesied after the return of Jews 
from Exile in Babylon. The walls have been rebuilt, and, perhaps, the Temple, as well. 
But the threat of marauding armies remains.   It is natural to post a watch, 
especially at night, to give warning in case of a raid. Isaiah, however, 
reverses the instructions. Watches are mounted day and night, not for warning 
but to offer constant prayers to the Lord (YHWH), who will answer, 
promises the prophet, and they will be secure and holy.

Let's..

Isaiah 62: 6 - 12

We may add something like, :May we entrust ourselves to the Lord.

Amen.



The whole world is called to celebrate God's power and righteousness in Ps. 97.

Let us join in the praise, as we read...

Psalm 97

This is a day of rejoicing, let us, with the whole world, offer praise.



In the Epistle (, against a background of unruliness, from which the Church members 
have been called, )Paul tells the blessings of God's mercy in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Titus 3: 4 - 7

May these words find a dwelling place in our hearts. Amen.



In the Gospel reading, Luke takes pains to remind us that Jesus' birth took place in actual fact, 
and to locate the place of birth at a particular time, of a particular family tree 
and in a particular place: Bethlehem, David's town. Remembering that God's eternal plan 
works in particular places through particular people, we may consider our role in the Realm of God.

Let's rise to be open to and honour the Good News for us in:

(Or: let us listen closely for the Good News for us in)

Luke 2: (1 - 7) 8 - 20/

May we, also, be filled with wonder, keeping the message alive in our hearts and glorifying and praising God in our lives. Amen.

It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise. 

(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)