We have been rescued from death…
Reflections on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 20, 2020): 2 SM 7:1-5,8-12,14,16; PS 89:2-3,4-5,27,29; ROM 16:25-27; LK 1:26-38
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
During these days of Advent we have had the opportunity to think about how much He loves us, not as some great mass of beings that He created, but as His children whom He made, one by one.
The liturgy on this Fourth Sunday in Advent looks both backwards and forwards through both the Old and New Testament readings. We hear about King David and our Eternal Father’s promise to him that the Messiah would come from his house. In the Psalms, we hear God say, “Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.… He shall say of Me, ‘You are My Father, My God, the Rock, My Savior.’ Forever I will maintain my kindness toward Him, and My covenant with Him stands firm” (Psalm 89:27, 29). Forever. We human beings are generally not very good at understanding what that means. Looking beyond our lives here on earth whether past or future can be overwhelming. But God invites us to embrace eternal life with Him. Unlike Him, we had a beginning in the wombs of our mothers. Yet, like God, we have eternal life to come.
Almighty God loves us and calls us to share the glory and happiness of life everlasting with Him. During these days of Advent we have had the opportunity to think about how much He loves us, not as some great mass of beings that He created, but as His children whom He made, one by one. Through the Father’s only begotten Son, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, came among us through the power of the Holy Spirit. With the willing consent of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we have been rescued from death. And all who believe in Jesus Christ will live with Him forever. Right now, we are making our final preparations for Christmas, probably one far different from our usual festivities with family and friends. Let us take a moment to whisper or, perhaps, even shout, a prayerful “Thank You!” to our God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – for the gift that lasts forever.
Suggested missionary action: We can re-read the liturgy for today, focusing on the Annunciation of Christ’s Incarnation. We can make a special effort to share this beautiful story with the children in our lives as we continue to get ready for Christmas.
Add #justonemore to your gift-giving list this Christmas with MISSIO.