[ Today's Readings ]
Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David;
We are called to wait in joyful hope for the coming of Jesus. We are called to increase our expectations for the good he wants to do and the difference he wants to make.
As king he shall reign and govern wisely,
he shall do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah shall be saved,
Israel shall dwell in security.
This is the name they give him:
“The LORD our justice.”
Jesus saves us from the one thing that can keep us from having true peace and security.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.
Jesus solves the sin problem. He solves the death problem. In him alone can we dwell in security.
He wants to come closer to us than ever before this Christmas. This is part of what we should expect. His salvation is not something distant which we see on the news and then forget. It is something that touches every heart that welcomes him.
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means "God is with us."
Behold the days are coming. Behold the virgin shall conceive. The LORD our justice approaches. He comes so close that we name him Emmanuel. This is what he calls us to expect. Because of this we have every reason to be excited. We have every reason to wait in joy.
Let us be attentive to the Holy Spirit. Joseph has his own plans which, if he follows them, will cause him to miss his encounter with Emmanuel. But he listens to the angel of the LORD and is changes his plans. We too have plans that seem great. It seems like we've thought of everything. But in this holiday season let us remain attentive in case the LORD wants to visit us in unexpected ways as well. Any alterations to our plan are worth it if the result is an encounter with Emmanuel.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
And blessed forever be his glorious name;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
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