The Mighty One Has Come: God's Promise Fulfilled Fourth Sunday of Advent

Bible Passages: Micah 5:2–5a, Psalm 80:1–7, Hebrews 10:5–10, Luke 1:39–55

Imagine you’re on a vacation, and your GPS suddenly fails. You start to panic. But then, you remember the map you studied before leaving. Like that map pointing the way forward, God’s promises direct us, especially through Christ’s arrival, confirming that even when we feel lost or confused, His faithfulness is our guide to joy and peace.

Picture a child with a balloon, who is told that they must wait to take a ride on the amusement park's biggest roller coaster. At first, they are frustrated, but as they wait, they watch others enjoy the ride and thrill builds. When it's finally their turn, the excitement is electric! Similarly, God asks us to wait sometimes, yet in Christ, He has shown us that the wait results in endless joy.

Today’s readings show us God's promise of salvation through the birth of Jesus Christ as prophesied in Micah, lamented in Psalm 80, articulated in Hebrews, and celebrated in the Magnificat. My prayer this week is that this message will help you recognize that God's promises are steadfast and fulfilled in Christ, offering hope amidst despair and assurance of His presence in struggles. These readings teach that the birth of Jesus is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His faithfulness and the transformative power of Christ in our lives. In the context of the Bible, Christ is portrayed as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies—both as the promised ruler from Bethlehem in Micah and the ultimate sacrifice in Hebrews, with His coming celebrated in the joy of Mary in Luke.

God's faithfulness in the coming of Jesus Christ offers hope and assurance to all believers that His promises are true and fulfilled, inspiring us to trust Him in all circumstances.

1. Promise From Bethlehem Revealed

Micah 5:2–3 ““But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.”

The prophet Micah foretold that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, a claim not easily believed given the town's insignificance. Years later, that prophecy was fulfilled in the most unexpected manner. God's timing and method of working may appear slow or unremarkable, but His promises are always certain. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that even when we doubt, God is orchestrating a grand tapestry of redemption, often beginning with the smallest threads of faith.

Reflect on the moment when Mary and Joseph found no room at the inn. In their desperation, a humble stable received them, becoming the birthplace of Christ. This scenario illustrates how God's plan often unfolds in the most unexpected ways. In our own lives, we might find ourselves in ‘stable’ moments—ordinary, perhaps uncomfortable times—yet God is crafting something miraculous. Trusting that He is weaving His promises through our struggles helps us see the divine potential in our lives.

Why would God choose the small town of Behtlehem? The unlikely town of Bethlehem birthplace of Jesus. God's ways are often surprising and contrary to our expectations. God's sovereign plan unfolds through humble beginnings. God's promises, though they may seem small or insignificant at first, are sure and powerful. This encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness despite current struggles and uncertainties, reinforcing that God is at work in every situation.

2. Prayer for Divine Restoration

Psalm 80:1–3 “Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”

A woman named Sarah sat on her porch one evening, reflecting on the chaos in her life. After losing her job and facing family issues, she cried out to God. Suddenly, a neighbor appeared with freshly baked cookies and a kind heart, asking if she needed anything. This small act became a divine intervention that reminded her God was present even in her darkest hour - echoing the sentiments of Psalm 80:1-3 where God is invoked as the shepherd who restores His flock.

3. Plan in Perfect Sacrifice

Hebrews 10:5–7 “Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’ ””

Imagine a grand orchestra preparing for a concert. Each musician has practiced diligently on their own, but the true beauty is revealed only when they play together under the direction of the conductor. Similarly, God's plan for salvation was intricately composed throughout history and culminated in Christ. His arrival was like the conductor stepping onto the stage, bringing all the elements together: the law, the prophets, and the sacrifices—creating a symphony of grace and redemption for all who believe.

Christ's coming was the divine plan from the foundation of the world, highlighting His obedience to God's will, fulfilling the law and sacrifices once and for all by His Incarnation. In Christ, the promises of God for salvation and redemption are fully and finally fulfilled, offering us all an assured hope and confidence in God's perfect plan.

4. Praise for Promise Fulfilled

Luke 1:46–55 “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.””

In the biblical narrative, Mary expresses her praise to God for His mighty deeds. Recognizing that God's redemptive work unfolds through history and in her own life, she becomes a vessel of His joy and hope. This illustrates how we, too, can acknowledge the often hidden ways that God is actively working around us, much like Mary did, celebrating His faithfulness to us.

Imagine a scenario where a family learns they will be receiving assistance amidst financial hardship. Their prevailing sense of worry transforms into joy as they recognize not only the material support but also the reminder that God is watching over them. This sense of hope mirrors the feeling in Mary’s hymn, where she expresses profound joy in God’s promise of provision and redemption.

Historically, many oppressed communities have found hope through faith, much like Mary. During times of persecution, believers have sung songs of joy, rejoicing in the promise of God’s redemption, similar to hymns sung during civil rights marches. These songs reflect the same spirit of joy found in Mary’s Magnificat, reminding us that hope thrives even in dire circumstances.

Conclusion

Remember the tale of the tortoise and the hare? The hare raced ahead, but in the end, the steady tortoise triumphed. God’s promises may feel slow in coming, but unlike the hare, God's faithfulness is never a sprint. He is the determined tortoise, reminding us to trust in His timing, especially in the coming of Jesus, which marked the beginning of our hope.

If you are disheartened by the state of society issues, remind yourself that God's faithfulness prevails. Make a commitment to educate yourself on an area of concern and pray specifically for those affected. Organize or participate in community outreach initiatives that reflect God’s love, addressing needs based on biblical principles. This could involve volunteer work or starting community discussions. By taking action, you will not only impact your community positively but also embody the hope that God’s faithfulness inspires in difficult public circumstances.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by family dynamics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by work challenges. Perhaps you are stressed about school projects. Maybe you are feeling pressure to compromise your values of feeling alone in your faith. Remember God's faithfulness. Take a moment to gather those you love and share a specific promise from the scripture that speaks to your situation. Set aside a specific time during the week where you will spend a few minutes in prayer seeking God’s wisdom and assurance. This could be God's provision or peace in difficult times. Pray together, asking God to help you trust Him and each other more deeply, creating an atmosphere of hope and assurance in your home. By doing this, you not only focus on God’s promise but also strengthen your family bond.

God's faithfulness in the coming of Jesus Christ offers hope and assurance to all believers that His promises are true and fulfilled, inspiring us to trust Him in all circumstances.

How can we actively remember and witness God's promises during times of waiting and uncertainty?

In what ways can we identify moments in our lives where God’s unexpected plans have brought us joy or blessings?

What does Mary’s response to God’s faithfulness teach us about our own praises and gratitude?

How can the story of God’s promise through Bethlehem inspire us to trust in His plans even when they seem small or insignificant?

What practices can we incorporate into our lives to better recognize the divine presence in our ‘stable’ moments?

What practical steps can we take to support those who may feel lost or abandoned in their current life situations?

How can we be reminded of God’s faithfulness when facing challenges in our family dynamics or work life?

In what ways can we transform our expectations during times of waiting into opportunities for growth and anticipation?

What role can community outreach play in embodying hope and God’s love in our local context?

How can sharing a specific promise from scripture with our loved ones strengthen our faith and relationships?