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4th Sunday in Advent

Our 4th Advent lections all align and complement the theme of Incarnation with God’s face about to shine with the birth of a little baby (Psalm 80 / Isaiah 7), with one of the world’s longest "Dear _____" openings which proclaims the gospel of incarnation (Romans 1), and in the actual drama and human dilemma of one who faced the birth in such a way that social scandal and shame would face off against righteousness and mercy (Matthew 1).

PSALM 80:1-7, 17-19—LET YOUR FACE SHINE

This psalm is a lament from a community pained by national calamity. Perhaps it was the destruction of Samaria in 722 bce by the Assyrians (cf. 2 Kgs 17). The recurring line throughout the psalm which marks the ending of each of the three strophes is, Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. In between those lines we hear pain mixed with anticipation for a new and hope-filled future.

ISAIAH 7:10-16—THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU A SIGN

Historically, the section from 7:1-8:18 date to the time of the Syro-Ephraimite war (735-732 bce) and is organized around the symbolic names of First Isaiah’s children. When asked by God via the prophet for a sign of the accuracy of what God is about to do, Ahaz wobbles and whimpers, Gosh, I don’t want to test you or anything (my rough translation). The prophet angrily announces God’s personal sign: a young woman will bear a son, Immanuel, who will make good choices—refusing the evil and choosing the good.

ROMANS 1:1-7—THE ANCIENT KERYGMA

This is probably the only salutation in the entire three-year cycle that form a lesson in itself. But what a greeting! Packed with multi-layered meanings within words and phrases, Paul describes the gospel story in a single (long sentence). Certainly this passage is appropriate for the Advent season—it speaks of the prophets foretelling, the Son descending, the Christ ascending and the apostles a’telling the good news. Go tell it on the mountains!

MATTHEW 1:18-25—A RIGHTEOUS MAN IS HARD TO FIND

This, of course, is Matthew’s telling of the conception and birth of Jesus. "Now here’s what happened, it goes like this," (my paraphrase). Matthew tells us. Matthew then jumps right into the secret pregnancy and the social stigma and pressure that placed on Mary’s fiancé, Joseph. He ruminates over what to do with this scandal and decides to "dismiss her quietly" (v. 19). A dream comes to Joseph that reassures him to marry his fiancée, Mary, followed by an explanation of the strange pregnancy and a concluding fulfillment Isaiah 7:14 (see above).