Daily Readings - Fri Dec 24 2021

2 Samuel

1Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies,2the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent."3And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you."4But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan,5"Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?8Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel.9And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.10And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly,11from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.12When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.16And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'"

Luke

67And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,68"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people69and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,70as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,71that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;72to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,73the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us74that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,77to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,78because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on God's promises and their fulfillment. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts King David's desire to build a house for God, only to be told by Nathan that God will instead establish a lasting dynasty through David. This highlights God's trust in David, transforming his humble past as a shepherd into a royal lineage. The Gospel from Luke presents Zechariah's canticle, a joyful response to the birth of John the Baptist, who is destined to prepare the way for the Lord. Both readings underscore God's faithfulness and the pivotal roles chosen individuals play in His divine plan. The context of these readings is crucial. David, having secured peace, considers building a temple, symbolizing his desire to honor God. Nathan's prophecy redirects this ambition, emphasizing God's promise of a eternal kingdom through David's descendants. In Luke, Zechariah's song of praise celebrates the fulfillment of these promises through the coming of Jesus, with John the Baptist as the precursor. This connection between the two readings bridges the establishment of the kingdom and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Applying these readings to our lives, we are reminded to trust in God's plan, even when it surpasses our understanding. Like David, we may have aspirations, but it is God who guides our true purpose. Zechariah's example teaches us to embrace our roles in God's plan with joy and faith. Our task is to prepare the way for others to encounter God, much like John the Baptist. In a world filled with uncertainty, these readings encourage us to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God's promises will unfold in His time. The moral lesson here is one of faith and trust. God's plans are often beyond our comprehension, yet they are always rooted in love and wisdom. We are called to embrace our part in His narrative, whether in grand gestures or humble service. By doing so, we not only honor God but also become instruments of His grace, guiding others toward the path of peace and salvation.