God With Us
(Free Version) The Fourth Sunday of Advent- Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
Artwork: 48” x 40” Icon with acrylic and gold leaf on board by Br. Claude Lane, O.S.B., 1996-1997. Located in the Abbey’s Saint Joseph Chapel.
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This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The light on the advent wreath is growing, indicating that we are getting closer to the source of our anticipation.
For Israel and a weary humankind, the longing for good news of great joy is met in the birth of Israel’s Messiah, who is also the Lord of the world. Our world is currently under the Lordship of Christ; yet his Lordship remains hidden. We also are weary. This Advent comes at a time when hostilities run rampant in our world. Meanwhile, the poor and marginalized suffer; wars continue throughout the world. In all of this, the church shouts, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
As Christians, today, we are reminded that the story of this child who was born, this man who lived, died, and rose again for us. This is the true story, even when we so often see evidence to the contrary. The challenges we face can seem overwhelming. And yet, we have a sure hope.
This week, I am thinking about those who are at the end of their rope. Those who only see their weakness and not their strength. I think about those facing incredible health challenges, vocational dilemmas, difficulties in their family. Sometimes we come up with human solutions to our problems. In desperation, we follow what we think is the only answer.
In our Isaiah reading (Isaiah 7:10-16), King Ahaz has turned away from YHWH, opting to find rescue in the hands of a pagan empire. He even resists a sign from God, under the guise of piety. Even in Ahaz’ lack of trust, the prophet promises the birth of a child. The birth of children is always a miracle. Yet, in a unique way, the birth of this child will mark God’s faithfulness to his promise. This child is a pointer to the fact that God is with us. As people shaped by this story, we are transformed as a “with” people, embodying radical solidarity and empathy with others.
Our Romans’ reading (Romans 1:1-7) reminds the church that Paul’s and our identity is something radically different from the ways of the world. Our God is the God of grace who calls and sends his people on mission. Paul reminds us of the uniqueness of Jesus. He is descended from David and also the Son of God in power. Because of God’s grace, those who were previously considered outsiders to the story are welcomed in. And, we are called to obedience. This is what grace does, always welcoming, always transforming. Paul ends this section with a simple declaration over the church: grace and peace. He declares peace because the war of sin and death is over. He declares grace because it is only by God’s free gift.
In our gospel (Matthew 1:18-25), Mary is with child and Joseph thinks that “divorcing her quietly” is his only option. Joseph is not the protagonist in this story, nor is he much of a supporting character. Like Zechariah, he is not a “mover.” He doesn’t “get things done.” Through worldly lenses, Joseph would be the more likely one to act on behalf of God: he is the “man of the house,” from the town of David. Matthew tells us his family background, which extends back to David, and then further to Abraham.
God is not interested in responding to human strength. He is not coerced to draw near. He draws near by his own freedom; and, in doing so, he flips worldly power on its head. God with us: it is all grace. Joseph’s only calling in this moment is to obey the angel, who has made his next steps very clear. The only direct command is “Do not be afraid.”
This story reminds us that the world hinges on the act of God, not on our strengths. God is with us. You are not alone. He is not looking at our pain and struggle with mere sympathy. He is with us in the midst of it. If God is truly with us in solidarity, this means that God cries with us and laughs with us. God gets angry alongside us. God gets frustrated when frustrating things happen to us. He’s does not merely pat us on the head. He’s really there. Our calling? Obedience. Keep going. Listen for his voice. Live in to grace. Incarnation changed the world, and it still does.