Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45
Today we have before us the story of the pivotal moment in human history when God reached down into the world to officially begin His plan of salvation. At this moment in human history God, in all of his glory and majesty, became one of us, conceived in human form in his mother’s womb.
In the midst of this story we have two women, who come together to celebrate their common pregnancies. The first woman, Elizabeth, pregnant with John, represents the Old Covenant that God had made with the people of Israel sealed by the blood of the Passover lamb. This covenant, begun in Abraham and then ratified through Moses, was lived out through the thousands of people God chose as his own. The people of Israel had a history of faithfulness to God with moments of infidelity scattered through their story. All throughout their history, in spite of their sinfulness, God was with his people. You might say that God’s setting aside these Chosen Ones was God’s “yes” to the human race.
The second woman, Mary, pregnant with Jesus, is the herald of the New Covenant which would one day be sealed with the blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. Again, by God becoming one of us, in the person of Jesus Christ, this is God’s “yes” to humanity. And Jesus, offering his life on the cross, is God’s final “yes” to us as he reveals to us the depth and breadth of his love.
Now some would argue, that this close to Christmas, it seems a bit inappropriate to talk about Christ’s passion, sacrifice and death. After all, that is the Easter story. But we must remember that this innocent child, born and laid in a manger in Bethlehem, had a destiny. To this it is significant to note that Bethlehem which means “House of Bread,” figures importantly in God’s plan. This Bethlehem was just a little village about nine miles from Jerusalem. Pilgrims could buy animals to offer as sacrifices in the temple which meant Bethlehem was a place where shepherds could make a decent living. Other than that, Jesus’ birthplace had little else to earn its place on the map.
But there, in that humble home of David, would be born the Shepherd who would bring peace to a world broken by sin. That humble Shepherd, who laid is life down for his sheep, would bring healing for wounded sinners. Through Jesus gift of self, the sacrificial offerings of the former covenant, represented by the birth of John, would fade away. In place of these sacrifices, which were offered over and over again, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, would offer his life once and for all as the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus surrendered to God’s will as he placed his own life on the altar of the cross. This was Jesus’ own “yes” to God. But his “yes” would never have been uttered if not for the “yes” of his mother, Mary. Mary, the first disciple, said “Yes” to God’s request that she become the mother of His Son. Mary had the freedom to say “no.” But she, “who trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled,” said “Yes” to God, and allowed God’s plan for salvation to begin as she conceived the Son of God in her womb.
But God’s plan for salvation did not end with Jesus. God’s plan for salvation is still unfolding today. The wonderful thing is that now we are a part of that plan. By our birth, and by our rebirth through the waters of Baptism, God has chosen us, God has said, “Yes, I want you to be a part of my plan for salvation.” And what a humbling thought. We, who are as seemingly insignificant in the world as Bethlehem, have been chosen to be the place where Christ continues to be born into the world.
God’s plan for salvation now includes you and me. God has chosen to save the world through you and through me. God’s plan continues each time expectant parents give their child life in this world, and then give their child back to God through the waters of baptism. God’s plan continues each time a husband or wife sets aside their own selfish wants or desires for the sake of their spouse. God continues to save the world each time we offer the gift of forgiveness to those who have hurt us. God continues to save the world each time nations set aside those things that divide them and strive instead for peace. God continues to save the world each time people of good will reach out and lend a hand to those who are in need.
“Yes” God’s plan for the salvation of the world is still unfolding through you and through me. Today he asks of us, are you willing to be one who gives birth to the Savior through your words and actions? Are you willing to allow the Savior of the world to work through you?
Pray for the grace to say “Yes, Lord, may the words that you have spoken to us be fulfilled.”
