Fourth Sunday of Advent
As we embark on this fourth Sunday of the Advent season, our hearts are attuned to the theme of love—a love that transcends time and space, a love revealed through promises, covenants, mysteries, and a young woman's courageous "Yes." Today, we explore the symphony of love woven through the passages of 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16, Psalm 89:1–4, 19–26, Romans 16:25–27, and Luke 1:26–38.
1. The Promise of Love (2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16):
In 2 Samuel, we witness a moment of profound love between God and David. David, nestled in his palace, desires to build a house for God. However, God, in an unexpected twist, promises to build an everlasting house for David—a house not made of bricks and mortar but of an eternal covenant, founded on love. This covenant is a testament to God's unwavering love for David, a love that extends far beyond the physical boundaries of a royal residence.
Illustration: Consider a master craftsman promising to build an exquisite piece of art as a token of love. God's promise to David is a masterpiece, an enduring testament to the boundless nature of divine love.
2. The Hymn of Love (Psalm 89:1–4, 19–26):
The psalmist, in Psalm 89, composes a hymn that echoes the harmonious chords of God's covenant with David. The verses celebrate the steadfast love of God, a love that endures through generations, and the assurance that God's faithfulness will never waver. The psalmist marvels at the divine love that establishes and sustains the covenant with David's descendants.
Illustration: Envision a grand orchestra, each instrument playing a part in a symphony of love. The psalmist's hymn is like a melody that resonates through time, symbolizing the eternal harmony of God's love.
3. The Revelation of Love (Romans 16:25–27):
In Romans 16, the apostle Paul unravels the mystery of God's love, hidden for ages but now revealed through Jesus Christ. This revelation is the embodiment of divine love, a love that transcends human understanding. Through Christ, the mystery of God's redemptive plan is made known to all nations—a universal symphony of love.
Illustration: Picture the opening of a grand curtain, revealing a breathtaking scene. The revelation of God's love through Christ is like the unveiling of a masterpiece—a love story painted across the canvas of eternity.
4. The Dance of Love (Luke 1:26–38):
In Luke 1, we witness the pinnacle of divine love—a love that seeks human participation. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing that she will conceive and bear the Son of the Most High. In her humble response, Mary's "Yes" becomes a dance of love, a willing partnership in God's plan of salvation.
Mary's courageous acceptance is a testament to the profound, reciprocal dance of love between humanity and the divine.
Illustration: Envision a graceful dance, where partners move in perfect harmony. Mary's "Yes" is a step in the divine dance of love, where God invites us to join in the beauty of His redemptive plan.
Conclusion:
As we navigate the Advent season, let us immerse ourselves in the symphony of love revealed through these passages. May we be captivated by the promise of love, join in the hymn of love, embrace the revelation of love, and, like Mary, dance in the profound rhythm of divine love. In this symphony, may our hearts resonate with the eternal melody of God's boundless and unchanging love.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit accompany us on this journey of love. Amen.
—Dr. John Hill, Editor