Year C Advent 4 –Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80-1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45
Bethlehem was an insignificant town until David was there born. And once again, though David’s lineage was about to cease in the days of the prophets, it would become the birthplace of Jesus Christ whose reign is eternal. The forgotten people are not unforgotten in God’s word.
Micah’s marvellous prophecy is prefaced by calls for judgement. In his day, God’s covenant people were facing loss of their way of being. With enemy invaders drawer ever so nearer, leaders paid tribute to avoid conflict. This impacted the poor considerably who seemed to be forgotten in these leadership decisions.
The Psalmist cries out, “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” (80:3, 7). Human leadership – even when sincere – can bring oppression to people. The forgotten appealed to the heavenly court begging for an appearance with its Judge.
Hebrew Christians were reminded that Jesus came to do God’s will. The forgotten people oppressed under human mechanisms are remembered in God’s word. Sacrifice is not the ultimate desire of the Creator for creation and so Jesus was sacrificed once and for all. Sanctification – the purifying of ones spiritual being – has now been enabled by Christ.
And so, Luke points us to a young woman who many believe was only a teenager. Mary was forgotten by society due to her perceived immorality. And yet her Seed was recognised by John the Baptist before he was even born! That Seed of God’s Son who we know as Jesus Christ became the Saviour for the forgotten.
The Christmas story reminds us how the forgotten were never unforgotten by God.
We are now in the final days of preparation for Christmas, who should you remember to help? Is there someone you can share with in need of being remembered? Do not neglect the poor: Christ is coming!