Reading: Luke 1: 26-38

Verses 32-33: “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David… he will reign over the house of Jacob forever”.

Luke begins his gospel by telling his readers that he has “carefully investigated everything” in order to write an “orderly account” of Jesus’ life and ministry. Luke begins with the birth story of John the Baptist before moving on to today’s account. John is the one who prepared people for Jesus’ ministry and is the one who will baptize Jesus, so it makes perfect sense to begin Jesus’ story with John’s story. Luke sets the story in historical context, tying Jesus’ story into the world’s story. The two stories, after all, are intertwined. Connections.

During the reign of Herod, the man appointed by the Romans to rule over Judea and the Jews, John is foretold and conceived. Soon thereafter an angel of the Lord visits Mary. As today’s passage begins, Luke explains the family dynamics. Mary lives in Nazareth and is engaged to Joseph, “a descendant of David”. Luke is preparing to root Jesus’ story in the prophecies found in 2nd Samuel 7 and in Israel’s story. Connections.

The angel Gabriel assures Mary of the plan and her role in it, then lets her know the significance of this child. In verses 32 and 33 we read these words: “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David… he will reign over the house of Jacob forever”. That promise made to David through the prophet Nathan: fulfilled in Jesus. That promise to build an eternal kingdom, a forever home for all of God’s children: fulfilled in Jesus. Connections.

As the story of Christ and of Christianity unfolds, you and I become part of the story. As we entered into a saving relationship with the Lord, we became part of the forever kingdom. The same Holy Spirit that came upon Mary and that came upon Jesus after his baptism by John comes upon us and makes a home in our hearts. We too are a part of the story. Connections. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Loving God, becoming a part of your family changed my life. It is a radical change that I am so grateful for. It has been such a blessing and gift. Help me to share this good news that I have experienced with others this day. Amen.