2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16, Psalm 89: 2-5,27,29, Luke 1: 67-79
On the day before Christmas, the day before Jesus is born and God enters the world as one of us, we hear once again how God has intended this all along. My impression is one of steadfast, reassuring presence. Whatever is going to happen tomorrow, no matter how great and special, today, in this moment, we need to hear the reassurance that we are supported, we are not alone. We are so close and the evidence past and present points to a new tomorrow.
In 2 Samuel the author is recalling what happened to David, 1,000 years before Jesus was born. This in itself sends the signal that God’s pattern of behavior has been in place a long time. When David presumes that God needs a better place to live, God points out who has been in charge during David’s life. The key for us is that David was the youngest son of the family, the boy who took care of the sheep because all his older brothers were the ones in line for the family fortune. God took him from this lowest position and made him the leader of Israel who defeated every enemy that came up against them. God has always looked for people who would otherwise be considered the least likely to be chosen. This pattern of behavior on God’s part is send the message that anything is possible when God is involved.
The text in 2 Samuel however doesn’t stop with past actions, it goes on with God promising to guard Israel from “further disturbance.” Even after David has died, God will establish a Kingdom that will last forever lead by one of David’s own descendants. For a person of David’s time, it’s like saying he and his influence would live forever. To me this screams support, support, support. This God has got David’s back, forever! That translates for us to say God will always be involved, we like David will never be left alone.
If we had any doubt about this, the Psalms repeat the same kind of promises.
“Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.”
Finally, Zachariah’s statement brings the prophecy up to date for his time and for us this day before Christmas. “The dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”
Perhaps the only question is, can we get through today in order to celebrate tomorrow’s promise? Can we hold on to enough of what is good, what God provides, to see the birth of new life? The scripture stories suggest God will always be there, always provide some path, some way that leads to freedom, peace and joy. Today Zachariah saw the future in the birth of his own son. What do we see that says life is good? What one thing, situation or person can be a sign of a new reality for tomorrow? It’s only a day away.
