God has Visited and Redeemed His People

Saturday 24th December 2022. Read 2 Sam. 7:1-5,8-12,14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Luke 1:67-79 

“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” (2 Samuel 7:12)

In our Gospel passage today, we come across that beautiful song that Zechariah sang in thanksgiving to God for the release of his speech after he had named John the Baptist. It is a song that apart from praising God for his work of redemption also prophesies what exactly would become of John the Baptist.

There is a line in that Canticle of Zechariah which I found worth reflecting upon. Zechariah said: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.” Indeed, considering the fact that Jesus lived for just thirty-three years, we cannot but realize that Jesus’ life was a visit to mankind.

Just as Christ visited us, we too are called to visit one another this Christmas. Let us remember that we are the hands and feet of Christ. Wherever you go during this period, do not be concerned about eating and drinking, bring peace, joy, forgiveness, and love. Begin that visit with prayer, talk about Christ and ensure you end the visit also with prayer.

One person who visited in the Old Testament was David. He went to Nathan the prophet and discovered that the Ark of God was still in a tent. David said: “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” Although God told Nathan that David was not the one to build, God blessed David for merely expressing his desire to build God a more befitting house.

Part of this blessing was that Jesus Christ would eventually be identified as the Son of David. David did not build God a house but for having the mind to build at all, God chose to be born of the house of David when he was coming to visit and redeem mankind. Indeed, the kindness shown to God always comes with a reward. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, visit me today and always that wherever I visit I may bring you along. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (24 December, Bible Study: 2 Sam. 7:1-5,8-12,14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Luke 1:67-79)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu