Christmas Eve
December 24, 2013

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

In the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures/Older Testament) reading, we hear Isaiah
[2] speak of darkness. He and his hearers knew darkness well, with the
threat of war on three sides (The northern kingdom of Israel, Syria, and
Assyria). [3] He also speaks of light, in such certain tones that he uses
the verb form for something already completed [4]. 

The child is mentioned, but not identified. To some, he is the future King
Hezekiah, who brought in significant reforms. To us, he is, likely, Jesus. 
But the original intent was not to foretell his birth.

(The “day of Midian” refers back to a significant victory by Gideon!)

Let’s listen, and ponder: In darkness, we, too, long for light. In the
routine of life, we look to joy. In a world of war and terror, we pray for
peace. Isaiah holds out just such hope, in a child, born for us. 

Isaiah 9: 2 – 7

(You may wish to reserve your acclaim to follow the Gospel reading, or use
traditional language, or say something like: May we live as children of
the Light. Amen.)



Our Psalm is full of exultant, hopeful praise. (We lose some of the impact
in translation with “The Lord,” or “God.” In Hebrew, we would find YHWH,
the personal Name of the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of
the Hebrews, distinct from the gods of other nations, and usually spoken as
“Adonai,” because the Name is too holy to be said. But Adonai, the Hebrew
God, is to receive international praise, from the Nations, or “Gentiles!”)

Let’s….. 

Ps. 96, VU p. 819



The Epistle reading speaks of God’s Grace and our hope in Jesus. It speaks,
again, in an international tone, with “anthropos,” often translated, “Man,”
but more appropriately as “people,” or “humans.” 

Titus. 2: 11-14

May we know we are blessed. Amen.



In the Gospel reading, Luke wants us to know that God’s Grace is shown in a
particular place, and a particular time, with real people… He is careful to
identify the time according to the custom of the day (although some have
questioned his accuracy [5]). 

A child is born, and Creation rejoices! So let’s rejoice. 

Let us rise, to honour and be open to the Good News for us, 
(Or: Let us listen closely for the Good News for us,)
as we hear it in Luke’s Gospel, Chapter 2. 

Luke 2: 1 - 14 (15- 20)

A child is born, and Creation rejoices! Let us rejoice! Amen.

Notes:

[2 The first Isaiah, or Isaiah of Jerusalem, speaking toward the end of the
northern Kingdom of Israel. (722 BC/BCE)]
[3 We also know darkness: including conflict as in Afghanistan, Syria, etc..

Oppression and genocide as in Darfur, 
HIV/AIDS as in Africa, 
Long waiting lists for hospital or nursing home care or no care available,
poverty and homelessness, with rich getting richer.... 
toxic memories, perhaps from residential schools, as in native communities, 
children in poverty, exploited or abused, women abused, people unemployed or
used in sweat-shops, slaves or victims of nicotine, alcohol, drugs, sex,
violence or power.]

[4 Hebrew does not think in terms of Past, Present, and Future, as English
does, but in terms of Perfect (completed) or Imperfect (uncompleted,
present, future or still in process). ]

[5: The date by Quirinius would seem to put Jesus’ birth at AD(CE) 6. Herod
died in 4.] 

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