Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
(II Samuel 7:1-5.8b-12.14a.16; Luke 1:67-79)
At first glance the first reading and the gospel appear disconnected. The reading from II Samuel is a familiar prophecy of the coming of Christ in the line of David. The gospel seems to be an ode to joy on the part of Zechariah with the birth of his son. However, a closer look reveals a profound intimacy between the two.
In the gospel Zechariah predicts the coming of God as “the dawn from on high.” The word for this in Greek is anatole which also translates the Hebrew of Nathan’s prophecy to David that God will raise up one “sprung from your loins” to become the eternal king. Thus, Zechariah announces the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy with the coming of the one for whom John the Baptist is to prepare the way.
The scene is set. The Savior is about to make his appearance in the world. We are to look for the rising star tonight who shall enlighten our way to glory.
