Advent, 24th December, Friday
2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 / Luke 1:67-79
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.
***
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
