The Obedience of Faith

~~~ Fourth Sunday of Advent ~~~

~~~ 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16 ~~~ Psalm 89 ~~~
~~~ Romans 16:25-27 ~~~ Luke 1:26-38 ~~~

We have been given readings all week
 confirming the presence of the Lord.
Throughout the generations leading to the birth of Jesus
God has made his presence known to those he chose
to accomplish our salvation.
In each time the power and the humility of God
were woven together as one.
The kings of old lived in lavish structures
while the house set aside for God was just a tent.

...ark of God dwells in a tent!

Nathan answered the king,
“Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you.”

Paul speaks to the Romans...

...according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ...

Had not each person chosen by God not complied
in obedience of faith to the salvation plan of God,
where would we be today?

The one person who made the greatest
commitment to her faith was Mary.
She was young, innocent
and truly had the most to lose
 by being with child out of wedlock. 

Sometimes God asks us to accept
things that are very difficult.
We can never see the total plan of God.
Just as in the case of Jesus...
what happens in our life today may affect something
or someone many generations after we are gone.

 For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

May we live in such a manner
 that we might hear God say to us...
Hold this sentence close to your soul...
put your name into this short prayer.
Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.

The day is near...
Come, Jesus, Come...
bring us into the light of your face.
God is with us!

Blessings of Joy and Peace.