Christmas Day
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 25, 2023
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Today’s Texts:

Psalm 98: A song of joy and praise for the salvation and righteousness of the Lord revealed.

John 1:1-14: The Word became flesh, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.

Psalm 98

O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

John 1:1-14

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Today’s Meditation:   On this Christmas Day, we immerse ourselves in the profound mystery and joy expressed in John’s Gospel and Psalm 98. John speaks of the Word becoming flesh, a divine expression of love and truth entering our world in human form. This incredible act of God, becoming intimately acquainted with our human experience, underscores a love that is deep, personal, and transformative. Psalm 98 complements this message with its jubilant praise, celebrating the salvation and righteousness that God has made known to all nations. It’s a call to rejoice in the remarkable gift of God’s presence among us. These scriptures invite us to embrace the fullness of this divine love and grace, and to let it transform our hearts and lives. On this joyous day, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us reflect on the impact of God’s love made visible, and let that love guide our interactions and life journey.

Something to Think and Pray About:

1. How does the reality of God becoming human in Jesus impact your understanding of divine love and grace?
2. In what ways can you express and share the joy and gratitude of God’s love and grace in your life?

A Prayer For Today:  Loving Creator, on this joyous day of Christmas, we celebrate the miracle of Your love made flesh in Jesus Christ. Fill our hearts with the joy and wonder of this incredible gift. Help us to embrace Your love and grace, allowing it to transform our lives and guide our actions. May our celebrations today reflect the depth and breadth of Your love for all creation. Amen