Advent Reflection- Day #27 (Friday in the Fourth week of Advent)

The time is nearly here, the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord! For the last four weeks we have been anxious with anticipation. Anticipation of the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David. The promise to free us from our enemies, the promise of peace...
 
It seems strange then, that in the reading today, God has already given Israel 'rest from enemies on every side'. David is 'settled in his palace' and secure in his kingship. Israel seems to have everything that God promised.... Then the LORD, through Nathan, reveals that God's plan is much more. He will establish a righteous kingdom forever through an heir of David. 'I will be a Father to Him, and He shall be a son to Me'. This promise is echoed in the Psalm 'forever will I confirm your posterity... and He will say of me, 'you are my Father, my God, my rock, my Savior'. And then the ultimate plan of peace is hinted at - 'the eternal light will come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.'
 
We sinners dwell in darkness, our sins put us in the shadow of death. But our Lord -the sun of justice- comes to grant us the mercy with His revealing light, with a light so illuminating no longer can a shadow remain. And there we find peace – His peace – freed from our real enemy – sin- in an everlasting relationship with Him. As He guides our feet into the way of peace.
 
Maranatha – come Lord Jesus!

-Deacon Joe