Fourth Monday in Advent: December 19

Judges 13:2-7,24-25; Psalm 71:11-18; Luke 1:5-25

Now we enter into the mystery of the nativity.  The way Luke frames the story is important for us today.   He tells us when the important things happened by referring to the secular rulers: “In the time of King Herod.”  Recorded history focuses on that official roster and calendar.   In school my history classes focused on the top of the hierarchy: kings, presidents, wars.  Only later did I learn about the important social and cultural figures and movements that occurred beneath and around that layer of history, who shaped that history without acknowledgment.  Luke takes us into the world that the ruling history ignores, the real history of the world.

“In the time of King Herod.”  Herod’s time will end, and become a footnote.  The real action is happening in the most hidden part of the Temple, and in the home of a priest and his wife.  Herod marks a date in a calendar, but John the Baptist inaugurates a whole new era.  Out of this humble house, and in some other humble houses, the real action of history will go forth.  

Today, while the world’s attention is focused on Donald Trump, a baby is being born.  Every day prophets are born, and every day Jesus comes among us.  Every day people without hope are given a message to carry.  No one is too small, too insignificant, or too sinful.  Those who have been “barren” of faith or works can still bear children through their service to others.  Those who have struggled with doubt can still be visited by God.  Even you, dear reader, you can be a vessel of the Holy Spirit.  Start listening.

Do not be afraid,______________, for your prayer has been heard.  God is gracious.  The blessing may not look like what you had in mind, anymore than Zechariah was hoping for a son who would leave home and Temple service and become a desert preacher.  But blessing it was, and is.  Put your fear aside, and look for the blessing.  It may be nearer than you think.