Advent, 23rd December

Advent, 23rd December

2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 / Luke 1:67-79     

Nathan prophesies about David; "Your kingdom will last forever.”

Today's reading brings us full circle. Why? Because, in a true sense, the seed of Christmas is found in Nathan's prophecy to David: “Tell my servant David that I say to him, 'I will make your kingdom last forever. Your dynasty will never end.'” The birth of Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of that prophecy. Jesus, the King of Kings, is David's descendant, who will rule forever. It is fitting, therefore, that we should return to this prophecy in our final reading before Christmas.

 ***

Do we keep in mind that Christmas is not only the celebration of Jesus' birth into our world, but also the celebration of his birth into our hearts? “Christ came when all things were growing old. He made them new. St. Augustine

***

As we finally come to the day that we are waiting for, we may have a few things that we want to do for this evening as well as for the day after. We may have all our plans laid out in our minds and then carry them out like clock-work. 

In the 1st reading, David too had some plans in his mind, and the prophet Nathan supported his plans. But that very night, the word of the Lord comes to Nathan, and hence David's plans will have to change.

 As we come to the final day of the preparations to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, let this evening be a silent and holy night. The Lord comes to visit us with His blessings of peace and joy. If and when things don't go according to plan, then we have to trust in the Lord that He has better plans for us.

 God's plan for us is always for our good and for our salvation. Jesus is like the rising sun who will give light to those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death. Let this evening be a silent and holy night so that Jesus will guide our feet into the way of peace and that the celebration of His birth will truly bring joy to our hearts. 

***

The promise made by the Lord was finally fulfilled with the birth of Jesus… God would set his people free by no less than his own Son. Was the promise finally fulfilled? It was the beginning of the fulfillment. Everything was there to make it real and effective, except the people who would have to put it into practice. For God created us free, and that means he relies on us, on our acceptance and cooperation, on our love. We have to let God make his peace and love come true among us. With and through Jesus. That’s why he came among us as one of us. Here I am, human like you. Look at me and see how it is to be done. Do it with me. I am with you and stay with you to give you the strength. Come, let’s begin. Now.

***

Prayer

Lord, loving and mighty God, you fulfilled your promise to save us when Jesus, your Son, became one of us. We are no longer in the dark, for you let your light shine on us. Bring us your salvation now, set us really free from our sins, let us become fully human with Jesus and go with him in your way of peace and love. Let him be our strength, our constant companion on the road, that through him and growing in his humanity, we may be your beloved sons and daughters. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen