Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Luke 1:67-79
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” (Luke 1:68-69)
- In our Gospel passage today, we hear Zechariah’s thanksgiving song. This song was the first thing that came out of his mouth after his power of speech was restored. The saying goes that you never know the value of something until you lose it. It is easy to take for granted our ability to see, smell, hear, taste, talk, etc. However, we appreciate these powers more when we lose them, even temporarily.
- For nine months, Zechariah, having attained old age, could not talk but depended on writing tablets. One can only imagine the joy he felt when he finally talked. Of course, the first thing he said was to give praise to God. If you still have the power to talk, please use your lips to praise God every day.
- Zechariah summarised Israel’s history until that crucial moment in this thanksgiving song. It dawned on him that Angel Gabriel’s words concerning the child born to him were true: “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah… to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (Luke 1:15-17). Zechariah praises God not only for giving him a child but also for remembering Israel and for coming to redeem them.
- Zechariah sang: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people…” Given that Jesus Christ spent only thirty-three years on earth, we can describe His coming as a visit. However, Jesus didn’t come for sightseeing. He came to redeem mankind. This redemption began from the moment Adam and Eve sinned, and God said: “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15).
- Christmas is a time of visitation. As God visited us, we are called to visit (bring glad tidings) to one another this season. Again, as God came to redeem us, we are called to redeem (assist, support, encourage, rescue, forgive) those who are down. As much as there are so many parties and celebrations during this period, let us not forget that many are lonely, sad, hungry, sick, and hopeless. Some are even mourning their loved ones. Celebrate Christmas by spreading love, joy and hope.
- In that same song, Zechariah said: “…and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” This is where today’s Gospel passage aligns with our First Reading. God came to visit mankind, fulfilling His promise to David: “I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom… I will be his father, and he shall be my son… And your house and your kingdom shall be… established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:12-16). God does not promise and fail. We can totally rely on God because His words must surely come to pass.
- Why David? What did David do to deserve such a blessing? We all know David was a weak man, like many of us. However, there is one thing that David did that impressed God - David expressed a desire to build a befitting house for God. “How would I be dwelling in a house of Cedar while the Ark of God is in a tent?” Despite all his achievements and successes, David never forgot his humble beginning – He never forgot he was nothing without God.
- David’s desire to build for God was an act of thanksgiving. Let us, like David and Zechariah, as the year ends, express our thanksgiving to God. Even though God would not permit David to build the temple, God still blessed David with blessings beyond his lifetime. You don’t need to spend a dime for Thanksgiving; kneel where you are, sing from your heart, and express your gratitude to God. Remember that you wouldn’t be alive today if not for God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, visit us today with your abundant redemption. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (December 24. Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Luke 1:67-79).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu