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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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2Samuel 7:1-5.8-12.14.16
Psalm 88
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
We focus today on the announcement of the birth of Jesus to Mary who was betrothed to Joseph of the House of David. Although Joseph was only Jesus' foster-father, it was through his line of the House of David that Jesus' ancestry was traced. In the first reading from the second book of Samuel, the prophet Nathan brought a message from God to David promising a dynasty that would continue forever. This covenant God made with David gave rise to the hope in Israel for a messiah of the House of David who would save his people.
When the Jewish followers of Jesus looked back on his life they identified him as the long-hoped for messianic figure. So in the gospel reading the angel's message promised that Mary's son, Jesus, would sit on the throne of his ancestor David and, in continuity with the covenant with David, his reign would be everlasting.
What does this message mean to us today? The everlasting covenant God has made with us through Jesus assures us that God's everlasting life endures and has conquered death. So in this week before Christmas, even though the news we hear each day may be gloomy, let us radiate that sureness of hope in life to those around us.
