Advent 4: Gospel, Luke 1:26-38                                 

Luke 1:26-38

I am learning the lesson to read the Scripture slowly. Savor is a word that I am trying to keep in mind as I read. We love to claim that every word of Scripture is the breath of God. And rightly so. And although it is in a translated form for most us, it is still His Word. His breath.

The entire gospel reading for this week is marvelous. And we should apply the “savor” principle to all of it. But I was really taken in preparation for this meditation by just a portion of the angel Gabriel’s pronouncement to the Virgin. The messenger brings so much to this young maiden including the earthly name by which her Son is to be called, “Jesus.” Along with that verse 12, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Just take that one in for a moment. And now this is what caught my attention: “And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David …”

The Son RECEIVES from the Father. Here is one of those portions of Holy Writ where we must remember Jesus is a man. The Man. He is the Son of David as well as the Son of the Most High. Jesus, like all of us, is in line for certain promises from the Father. That is stunning. Jesus, the Creator and Sustainer of all things visible and invisible. Jesus, the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Jesus of Nazareth, King of Israel and inheritor of the throne of His Father David. The hope of Israel. The hope of Nations. I find it difficult to write this without emotions attached and I don’t know why. 

Jesus receives from the Father. We receive from the Father. Jesus is our elder brother. We, together with Him are the Father’s children. Breathtaking!

Our Savior is our brother. Our Savior is King of Israel. Our Savior is on His way.