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4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR B)

1st Reading           2 Samuel 7: 1-5. 8b-12. 14a. 16

Psalm                      89:2. 2-3. 4-5. 27 and 29 (R. 2a)

2nd Reading         Romans 16: 25-27

Gospel                    Luke 1: 26-38


THINK ABOUT THE LORD AND HE WILL, ALL THE MORE, THINK ABOUT YOU

We have come to the end of the season of Advent with the 4th Sunday of Advent. The next season, which Advent prepares us for, is Christmas. What it means is that our focus should start turning towards the events of Christmas. The 4th Sunday leads us through a fundamental transition from Advent to Christmas.

The Word of God for the 4th Sunday of Advent, as we consider a transition into Christmas, zooms in on the HOUSE OF DAVID. This is clear in the First Reading and the Gospel. The House of David holds a significant place in the readings for this Sunday that we cannot simply overlook. Two indications point to a link between the two readings. First is the figure of Joseph, who is "a man of the House of David" (Lk. 1: 27). The second is the angel Gabriel's assertion that "the Lord God will give to him [Jesus] the Throne of his father David" (Lk. 1: 32). I suggest that we look at David, particularly what triggered his thoughts about a house for the Lord. Secondly, we can look at what becomes of the House of David after David's death.

The first reading opens with what triggered David's attention to the kind of house the Lord is dwelling in. First, "when King David dwelt in his house" (2 Sam. 7:1). This begs the question, "How does David's house look like?". The indication we are given is that David dwelt in "a house of Cedar." Remember "that Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David with cedar trees and carpenters and stonemasons; and they built a house for David" (2 Sam. 5: 11). This was where David got the Cedar trees from. 

What is so special about Cedar that David would have thought about the magnificence of his Cedar House and the contrasting lowliness of God's dwelling (a tent)? Cedars were very expensive wood. They are durable and lasting, which serves as the best and most valuable wood for building purposes (Isaiah 9: 10). Its expensive nature and durability can make it one found with the elites. Cedars, interestingly, are part of the materials for purification after leprosy (Lev. 14: 4, 6). In the final analysis, Cedar is durable, lasting, permanent, and befitting. This shows how special Cedar wood is. 

The Ark of God was dwelling under curtains (Heb: YERIAH). "Yeriah" is a tent-fabric of goat hair (Exodus 26: 7) or other material (Exodus 26: 1). With the materials mentioned, the dwelling of the Ark of God is not fitting enough. It is also movable. David cannot sit to see his God dwell in a house of less magnificence in comparison with his own strong and beautiful Cedar house. In fact, it was common in the ancient Near East for a king to build a Temple to honour his god. David's implicit consideration to build a house for the Lord, probably with far better and befitting building materials, is a step in the right direction for he thinks about the honour he could give to God. It is clear that the greatest honour should be given to God. This boils down to the respect we give to God. It is sad that today, more than ever, the presence of God is treated as a secular arena. The reverential fear of God is missing. 

The table of thinking changes, and God rather provides a permanent place for David. The Cedar house is not a guarantee that his dynasty will endure forever. The Lord will provide for David a house (2 Sam. 7: 11c). This is interesting because David has a Cedar house, so how come God will provide another house? What kind of house is that? 

The kind of House God will build for David is not that like a physical Cedar House but, although permanent and lasting, it shall be a Kingdom. The establishment of this Kingdom (or Dynasty) starts with Solomon, his offspring from his loins (2 Sam 7: 13). Solomon's succession also helps us to know that the Kingdom of David, the Dynasty of David, the "House of David," which God built for David, is established forever. Here, conclusively, we get it that when we think about giving the best things to God, he gives us the reward of one who has him in mind. 

A member of this Dynasty (or Kingdom) or House of David is also in perspective in the Gospel (Luke 1: 26-38). Joseph is of the house of David, and in fact, the throne in this Kingdom is to be taken over by Jesus, making him also a member of this Davidic Dynasty. 

This is exactly what Christmas is. Christmas is about the right king who has the right to ascend the Throne of the Davidic Dynasty. This king is Christ. 

On the 4th Sunday of Advent, the message is simple. If we want God to respond to us, then we need to always think about him and give him the greatest respect. Pay attention to God, and he will pay greater and permanent attention to you. Consider giving him a Cedar, and he will make your name remain throughout generations. Your Cedar will not change him, and it won't make meaning to him. Just think about God, and he will, all the more, also think about you.

Pax et Bonum 🕊 🙏 ❤️

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