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Advent Week Four - Monday
By Pat Lee | December 19, 2011
Monday - December 19th: “For with God nothing will be impossible”
Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16 Psalm 89:1-5,27-29 Luke 1:26-38
Reflection: God keeps his promises (Psalm 89:2-4). David wanted to build a house for God. God reassured him that he would build David a house that would last forever (2 Samuel 7:12,16). God promised an heir to David’s house, – a Saviour and King who would bring a new era of healing, pardon, and peace.
Christians see the fulfillment of this prophecy in the events leading up to the birth of the Messiah. This new era (The Kingdom of God) begins with the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary. The child to be born is the fulfillment of God’s promises. He will be named “Jesus”, which means “the Lord saves”. The angel repeats to Mary, the promise made to David: “…he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).
Mary responds with trusting faith. Mary’s prompt response of “yes” to the angel makes her a model of faith for us all. She believed God’s promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing to do God’s will, even if so doing seemed impossible. God trusts that we will respond to what God asks of us with the same sort of willingness, obedience, and trust that Mary did. God also promises to give us, through the Holy Spirit received in our baptism, the strength, and means to do the things God trusts us to do. We are created with free-will and we can decide to say “Yes” to God. We also have the freedom to decide to say “No” to God and go our own way. Advent invites us to ask if we believe in God’s promises and are we prepared to say “Yes” to God?
“Heavenly Father, you offer us grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son Jesus. Help us to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you our unqualified “yes.”
Topics: Advent |
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