Adv4B20.    2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16.   King David had come to a stable time in his life when he was victorious over his many enemies and quite well-to-do.  He naturally thought that it was time for him to do something for God who had so much for him.  It is so human to think of God as being on our level.  God is the source of all good.  Whatever anyone has that is good came, comes and will come from God.  No one can give him anything that is good that God himself has not had eternally.  God turns the tables on David.  David who already has received so much from God will receive even more.  God promises David a house or a dynasty that will be composed of one heir who will rule eternally.  The Lord God said to David thought the prophet Nathan, “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm.”  “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.”

Luke 1:26-38.   This gospel is traditionally referred to in the rosary as the Annunciation.  The angel or messenger of God announced to Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever.” This fulfills the prophecy found in the first reading.  Also Mary is celebrated for her submission or obedience to God’s will.

Romans 16:25-27.  Paul concludes this epistle with a doxology or hymn of praise: “To him—-be glory forever and ever. Amen.”  The long section between those words calls upon God to strengthen the Roman Christians to be obedient to God, which obedience is their faith lived out in their lives.