Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 24, 2020 -
[2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 and Luke 1: 67-79]"The Lord reveals to you [David] 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." [2 Samuel] "He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David......You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way......" [Luke]
DECEMBER 24 - MASS IN THE MORNING
The figures of King David and John the Baptist make a final appearance today to bring the past and the future into play with the birth of Jesus. I have already spoken about the importance of the connection to David, which is reflected in the first scripture for today. The Canticle of Zechariah (recited at Morning Prayer each day) reflects the importance of John the Baptist as a herald of the coming of Christ. Both David and John would have been part of the "credentials" of Jesus to the immediate intended audience for whom the evangelist Luke was writing. The covenant with Abraham receives an echo, as well!
These aspects of the story of Jesus' birth may seem too abstract and distant from our present adoration and enjoyment of the nativity scene. The characters in the drama are more prominent to our sight than the larger meaning! Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Magi, Shepherds, Star, and even the animals, the stable, the swaddling clothes, the manger - all of these have been the subjects of traditional reflections. But the message is bigger than the scene! God is in our midst, ever faithful to the promises made to Abraham and David. The Canticle of Zechariah unfolds the message today. Tomorrow and every time we look at the nativity scene, we can meet the characters and appreciate each role in the message! AMEN