2 Samuel 7:1-11, Romans 16:25-27 and Luke 1:26-38.

We arrive as a worshipping community at the last Sunday of Advent. Christmas is soon to be celebrated!

The whole history of our faith is like a constant reminder of Advent and Christmas only going by different names! The history of God’s working with Israel and indirectly with the Gentiles is before us in all our texts for today’s worship. God is present with people in mysterious often hidden ways: in a tent in the wilderness, in a Temple in a city, but ultimately within the very soul of a person e.g., Mary. By any other Biblical names, e.g. Covenant, Revelation, we are still talking about “Preparation” and “Arrival.” Advent and Christmas!

It’s helpful to be reminded each year of Christmas past, present, and future. Who doesn’t have keepsake ornaments, decorations, memorabilia from years past? And likely something new this year to be kept for future holidays and celebrations.

The story of our faith and each one’s personal journey is very much a reminder of God’s dwelling with us in wilderness (tent), in settlement (Temple), and in person (like in Mary and in all of us!).

As the song goes and as our Scripture reminds us, “Don’t worry….be happy!” ‘Tis the Season!” We are being reminded by all the sights and sounds that God is with us!

Pastor Barry
†