Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 24, 2023

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16: Chapter 7 in Second Samuel is one of the most theologically important texts in the Bible. David founds a capital city (Jerusalem) and brings the Ark of the Covenant there. This act establishes Jerusalem as both a political and religious center of influence. Biblical scholars identify this passage as helping to establish “Zion theology;” an ideology which establishes Jerusalem as the place where God (not David) has chosen to be God’s dwelling place. Notice that God bridles or overrules David’s intent to build the proposed house for the Lord. God announces (God’s) plan that someone else (David’s son) was to build the house; accentuating the fact that God is in charge; not David! This is not a slight to David, for in this same text, God announces that the Messiah will come from David’s line and that His Kingdom will last forever!

Psalm 89: “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” This joyful and exultant song of praise and thanksgiving to God is so appropriate as we celebrate our last Advent liturgy before the Christmas season begins! While the first verse of today’s psalm can be interpreted as coming from David or the psalmist, the second and third verses are sung in God’s own voice; telling of God’s eternal Covenant with David and his descendants.

In the coming days and weeks as we celebrate the Christmas season, let’s ensure that we take time to meditate, contemplate and give thanks for God’s extravagant benevolence to us. Let’s never forget or take for granted that God gave His only-begotten Son for our Salvation! Let’s also remember that we’re created as God’s children… vessels of praise and adoration to worship, glorify and praise God, forever!

Romans 16:25-27: This passage is identified as a “doxology,” or a short hymn of praise to God. Paul justifiably identifies God as our “Source of Strength” in all of our weaknesses and experiences wherein we’re vulnerable to anxiety, fear and loss of hope. Paul praises God for the strength that God provides as well as for the revelation of God’s saving plan, through Christ, in the Gospel.

Moreover, Paul is, in essence, marveling at the gradual, but progressive revelation of the Messianic message that has occurred all through the centuries, via the prophets and evolving Scriptures. Today, we too are invited to take time to ponder the great gifts of faith that have been handed on to us, through the prophets, Scriptures and through the faith-sharing of Church leaders and fellow parishioners all around us. We have so much to be thankful for and for which to offer God eternal praise and thanks!

Luke 1:26-38: Today, we contemplate one of the most important moments in the history of Creation, when we read this passage! A simple girl receives the visit of an angel. Uncomplicated Mary is asked to cooperate with God’s plan of Salvation and she assents! The “scene” of this story is ethereal and so beautiful! It invites an eternity of contemplative pondering; coupled with rejoicing, thanks and praise that will glorify God forever!
The most important task we have this holiday season isn’t gift-buying. It isn’t decorating, shopping or putting away the decorations and tree. Our most important task is, once again, to take time to pray, ponder and absorb the holiness and wonder of it all. We mustn’t let modern complexities and preoccupations rob us of our Christmas joy and wonder. 2023 and 2024 aren’t too late to worship, praise, adore and thank God!

Reverentially,
Deacon Matt