Advent 4
December 21, 2008

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

Our first reading is from the Second book of Samuel. [2] The stress of the 
time of the Judges is behind them.  The civil war between the forces of Saul 
and of David, even while they were confronting the armies of the 
Philistines, is over. The country, which , for generations, had been 
divided, north and south, is finally united under King David.   Now, with 
Jerusalem furbished as the capital, and a palace built for the king, is it 
time for a Temple as the centre for the worship of the Lord (or "Adonai")? 
It would be a fine political as well as religious move. (Is the image of the 
Ark in a tent parallel to the image of the Christ child in a manger?)
Let us listen as Nathan, prophet of the Lord, deals with King David in:
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

You may want to reserve your thanks and praise until after the Gospel 
reading, or use a general response after each reading, or, perhaps, use your 
own words, such as: May we hear God speaking through present day prophets 
and messengers, Amen.



Instead of a Psalm, we have Mary's song, the "Magnificat," in which she 
exults in God's message.  Her song is also a proposal of social revolution, 
a message of hope for oppressed people, and challenge to the status quo, and 
an introduction to or foundation for Jesus' focus on the poor.  .
Let us. .....
Luke 1:47-55



The reading in the Epistle is Paul's conclusion to his carefully reasoned 
letter introducing and explaining his  Christology[3] to the Roman Church. 
He ends with this prose song of praise to God
Romans 16:25-27

May these words empower us to proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ, Amen!



The Gospel reading takes us beyond mere history, though we have been 
reminded that history may be prophetic, and that God speaks through events. 
This reading illustrates, in story form, that Jesus lived in a human 
setting, but is, for us, both humanity at its highest and divinity at its 
closest.
In this passage, Mary receives a message from God, and responds obediently. 
We traditionally read her response in terms of humble, even meek acceptance. 
It can equally be heard as awed enthusiasm. (I think of her response as the 
equivalent of "Yeah! God!!")
Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:
(Or: Let us listen intently for the Good News for us in: )
Luke 1:26-38

May we, like Mary, respond to God with an enthusiastic yes! Amen.

It is appropriate to follow the readings with words of praise and thanks.

Notes:

 With thanks to CAM and EMC.
 In the Hebrew Scriptures, First and Second Samuel follow the book of 
Judges, and are among the books of Prophecy, reflecting the belief that God 
speaks in events or history.
 His reasoned understanding of the place and message of Jesus, the 
Christ.


(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)