An Unusual Manner of Business

We have both Christmas Eve AND the Fourth Sunday of Advent to occupy our weekend; I’ve chosen to think here about the readings for the Fourth Sunday.  A word from the Old Guy: preachers & worship planners needn’t look high & low for something “new” for Christmas Eve–people are attending this service to hear the traditional story once again, a stable comfort in changing times.  But first we need to finish Advent…

King David felt guilty because his palace was finished and well-furnished, while Yahweh’s Ark of the Covenant had to rest in a tent (II Samuel 7:1-11, 16).  As he developed plans, Yahweh spoke:  “Are you the one to build me a house to live in?….the Lord will make YOU a house!….Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever…”  This is certainly an unexpected twist to normal procedures.  The passage also sets up the connections by which Jesus is called the Son of  [the  House of] David.

Before we get too harsh with Vicki of Nashville for including the postscript to the Letter to the Romans (16:25-27) in the lectionary, the preacher could explore these verses as an expression of praise for the Gift of Anticipation.  Those preparing to peer into the manger have been richly blessed by the journey.  How shall we respond to the astonishing news that God is about to break into the cares, fears and causes of those about whom we care?   Those hearing the Incarnation Story realize that this breaks boundaries and overturns the whole world!  This is an unusual manner of business.

The Gospel (Luke 1: 26ff) is about the strange case of Mary of Nazareth, a single woman, who has just been informed by the angel that she is to bear the ChristChild, truly an unusual manner of business!  “How can this be?” she asked.  And the angel responded, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”  Our whole encounter with Christmas–or it with us–yields wonder that the normal scheme of things is turned upside-down by this holy inbreaking.  Don’t forget to include at least a passing reference to Mary’s Song/the Magnificat (beginning at verse 47) which describes the overturning of Business as Usual.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent is a marvelous Divine Pause in all the cultural trappings, a deep breath for all who wait.  May it remind you that a new order is unfolding.  This new order is a bit unusual, to be sure; but you’re invited to drink it deeply and to immerse all of your senses in its gracious pools.  May you have a Blessed Christmas!

God Bless Us, Every One                 Horace Brown King

My thoughts about the prescribed scripture readings for the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this space on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com