Deciphering ChristmasDuring the liturgical season of Advent, three biblical figures stand out in a special way: the prophet IsaiahJohn the Baptist and Mary of Nazareth. In this reflection, we will focus on the figure of Isaiah. Since ancient times, a universal tradition has reserved many of the first readings of this time for his words. This is perhaps because, in him, the great messianic hope resounds with a unique force, offering a perennial proclamation of salvation for humanity of all times.
As we contemplate the readings for this year's Advent season (cycle C), we will notice the abundant presence of Isaiah. Although it may seem ambitious, I propose to select, for each week of Advent, one of the texts offered to us, together with a key verse. In this way, I hope to capture the essence of the Advent message and facilitate a spiritual journey that brings us closer to its heart.
Nativity of the Lord Week
In the days leading up to and on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, the readings from Isaiah highlight prophetic and profound moments of God's love and redemption for his people:
- Christmas Vigil Mass: Isaiah 62:1-5 - Promise of restoration for Jerusalem, which God calls "My Delight," reflecting his love for his people.
- Midnight Mass: Isaiah 9:1-6 - Prophecy of the birth of a king who will bring peace and justice, identified with Jesus.
- Dawn Mass: Isaiah 62, 11-12 - Announcement of the coming of salvation; Jerusalem will be recognized as "Holy City".
- Mass of the Day: Isaiah 52, 7-10 - Celebration of the coming of the Kingdom of God and the salvation of his people.
Prophecy and key verse (Christmas)
Among these texts, Isaiah 9:1-6 emerges as the central passage of the ChristmasThe people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; they dwelt in a land of the shadow of death, and a light has shone upon them. Thou hast increased their joy, thou hast increased their gladness; they rejoice in thy presence, as they rejoice in reaping, as they rejoice in dividing the spoil... For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: he beareth upon his shoulders the government, and his name is: "Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, Father of eternity, Prince of peace..."..."
Key Verse: Isaiah 9, 5
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: he beareth upon his shoulders the government, and his name is, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace."""
Key themes that make Isaiah 9:1-6 a particularly relevant text for this week:
- Prophetic Context of Light and Salvation. This passage announces the arrival of a child who will bring light and salvation to a people who walked in darkness. In the context of Christmas, this image of light overcoming darkness is deeply significant: "The people who walked in darkness saw a great light...". The coming of Jesus, symbolized by this light, fills humanity with joy and hope.
- Depth of the Message in Isaiah 9:5. "Unto us a child is born" points to the birth of Jesus, the fulfillment of this prophecy. Luke 2:11 ratifies this truth when the angels announce to the shepherds: "Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you, who is the Messiah, the Lord". The titles Isaiah attributes to this child (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) highlight both his humanity (child born) and his divinity, capturing the essence of Jesus as the Messiah and God incarnate:
- Wonderful Counselor: Jesus brings divine wisdom and teaches the way of salvation.
- Strong God: As God made man, Jesus has the power to overcome sin and death.
- Eternal Father: Jesus guides and cares for humanity eternally.
- Prince of Peace: Jesus establishes a lasting peace between God and humanity, the axis of his redemptive mission.
- Prophetic Connection to Christmas. Isaiah 9:5 expresses the spirit of Christmas, celebrating not only the birth of Christ, but also his reign of peace and justice, so long awaited during Advent and celebrated at Christmas.
Isaiah 9:5 condenses the joy and hope of Christmas: the coming of a Savior who fulfills God's promises, bringing peace, light and redemption. In Jesus, this prophecy is fully fulfilled, from his birth to his redemptive mission. He is the promised child who reigns as eternal King and God incarnate, offering the world wisdom, power and peace. His life, teachings, death and resurrection establish the Kingdom of God and an eternal relationship with the Father, making Christmas the celebration of a promise fulfilled in its entirety.
By way of epilogue
The journey through the readings from Isaiah during Advent immerses us in the depth of the messianic hope that defines this time of preparation. From the first week, Isaiah opens us to the promise of a "branch from the stump of Jesse," an image of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. As the weeks progress, this hope takes shape: in the second week, the call to prepare the way of the Lord prompts an interior conversion, a mission echoed in John the Baptist. In the third week, the announcement of the birth of Emmanuel, "God with us," brings us closer to the central mystery of Advent: the incarnation of God in Jesus. Finally, in the week of Christmas, Isaiah crowns his message with the prophecy of the "Prince of Peace," the child who comes to bring light and salvation to a needy world.
These readings invite us to meditate on the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, the Savior who not only rescues Israel, but extends his salvation to all humanity. Isaiah, with his hope-filled language and prophetic vision of the Messiah, guides us on this journey toward Christmas, renewing our faith in the God who does not remain distant, but enters our history to walk with us.
Doctor of Canon Law
Deciphering Christmas
