Don’t Give Up Hang On To Faith

No matter what you go through and how long your trials might be don’t give up hang on to faith and you will see the salvation of our God.

2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16
Luke 1:67-79

Before the mass of the vigil for Christmas is the mass in the morning; to distinguish it properly from the Christmas celebration. We have the last readings of the advent season pointing to the glowing light, the coming dawn of God’s promises to be fulfilled. The readings invite us to pause, breathe in, and meditate on the sacredness of our lives made present in the flesh of Jesus Christ.

God is always at work in our lives and our history this is what realize immediately after reading the first reading from the second book of Samuel. David wants to build a temple for the Lord put told David through Nathan the prophet that God has him all that he has. God made David king. God did all he had to do for David despite his the out of care he has for his people. He is the God of all nations and he has a plan for them. God’s plan is bigger than any temple or earthly kingdom In the gospel, we see a glimpse of the promise fulfilled in Christ. Zechariah the priest and father of John the Baptist just received his ability to speak again after it was taken away from him for nine months because he doubted that God would give him and his barren old age wife a child.

Zechariah’s first words was a joyful outburst and this is what we have as canticle for the Church’s morning prayer each day in the liturgy of the hours. Zechariah speaks of the Messiah and reminds us of what Christ is all about. Zechariah’s canticle of praise which is also called Benedictus focuses on the Son of God rather than his own son which is quite strange on an occasion such as a child’s circumcision and naming. Yes, it is because God is coming to visit his people and save them.. the Sunrise from on high will visit us, The One who will save us from our enemies and hatred, who will bring mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. The One who will demonstrate tender compassion and guidance to peace. These are the manifestation of the Messiah. These are the true gifts of Christmas.

The Almighty God, Who keeps billions of galaxies in existence, shows us how much our little lives matter to Him. Christ is like the sunrise shining on us and obliterating the deep darkness of our lives!   When He took on our nature He become vulnerable and incredibly close to us. This is the wonder of Christmas!  It is beautifully expressed in Titus 3:4f  “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,   He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy.”  

Be kind and merciful
Merry Christmas in Advance!!

Fr Joseph Osho