Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 20, 2020 - 4th Sunday of Advent - B
[2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Rom 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38]The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever. [1 Kings] "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." [Luke]
There's an old saying, "Promises are made to be broken!" Not so! At least not so when it comes to God's promises. The promise of God to David figures strongly in the story of Jesus' birth and in the story of his subsequent ministry. The image of "kingdom" features strongly in the story of his preaching and in the accusations against him before Pilate. The story of the Annunciation to Mary, which forms the gospel for this Sunday shows the power of God's promise which the prophet Nathan conveyed to David, more than 700 years before!!!
The power of a promise is that it can give hope. It can create a new tomorrow in the minds and hearts of those to whom it is given. The nativity scene in our homes is not just a commemorative display. It is the sign of God's fulfillment of a promise and a sign of God's continuing presence in our midst. This is a promise that goes far beyond what the presents under the tree can offer. It might be worthwhile to leave that nativity scene up year round, just as we do the crucifix! God is faithful and the nativity scene is a reminder that we are also called to be faithful in living out God's promise. AMEN