“dwelling place of God.”

David expressed his desire to build a Temple for God that would house the precious Ark of the Covenant,

God told him it would be his son who would build the temple.

Will be Mary, the Mother of Jesus who is honored with the title “Ark of the Covenant!”

The true “Ark of the Covenant!” is none other than Mary!

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊ 

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 86-12, 142, 16 

When the king had settled

In his palace and Yahweh had rid him of all his surrounding enemies, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Look, I live in a house of cedar but the Ark of God is housed in a tent." Nathan replied, "Do as it seems fit to you for Yahweh is with you." 

But that very night, Yahweh's word came to Nathan, "Go and tell my servant David, this is what Yahweh says: Are you able to build a house for me to live in? 

 

Now you will tell my servant David, this is what Yahweh of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the sheep, to make you commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, cutting down all your enemies before you. Now I will make your name great, as the name of the great ones on earth.

 

I will provide a place for my people Israel and plant them that they may live there in peace. They shall no longer be harassed, nor shall wicked men oppress them as before. From the time when lappointed judges over my people Israel it is only to you that I have given rest from all your enemies. Yahweh also tells you that he will build you a house.

 

When the time comes for you to rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your son after you, the one born of you; and I will make his reign secure. I will be a father to him and he shall be my son. Your house and your reign shall last forever before me, and your throne shall be forever firm."

 

Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 &:29 (2) Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

Romans 16:25-27

Glory be to God! He is able to give you strength, according to the Good News I proclaim, announcing Christ Jesus. Now is revealed the mysterious plan, kept hidden for long ages in the past. By the will of the eternal God it is brought to light, through the prophetic books, and all nations shall believe the faith proclaimed to them. Glory to God, who alone is wise, through Christ Jesus, forever! Amen.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Luke 1:26-38 

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God, to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a virgin, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, "Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.

 

But the angel said, "Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son; and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor, he will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his reign shall have no end." 

 

Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you: therefore, the holy child to be born of you shall be called Son of God. Even your relative, Elizabeth, is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child; and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible." Then Mary said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said." And the angel left her.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"

 

Lectio Divina

 

Read: In the first reading. God promises David that he will establish his kingdom and his royal line forever. This promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, a birth announced by the angel Gabriel in today's Gospel. In his Letter to the Romans, Paul explains that Jesus' birth is part of God's plan for our salvation and the cause of our joy.

 

Reflect: Our time of preparation and anticipation is almost over. The Lord is near. For what are we waiting? David waits for confirmation that his royal line would be secure and long–lasting. Many of the people of Mary's time waited for a military leader who would overthrow the Roman occupation and bring a return to Israel's glory days.

 

We may be waiting for our family celebrations and the present exchange. But the true gift, the gift of inestimable value, is the gift of eternal life that Christ brings to those who believe in him. Though our Advent is almost over, our wait continues. We will continue to wait, to prepare, and to long for the day when our earthly journey will be completed and we will see God face to face. 

 

Pray: Lord, make us ready to receive you.

 

Act: Take a moment of silence in the midst of the bustle to give thanks to God.