Dec. 20: 4th Sunday of Advent. 2009

The prophet Micah gave an oracle to the nation of his day that said that from Bethlehem would come the one whose origins were of old who would lead Israel–obviously a reference to David’s hometown. BUT, the words Beth Lehem” in Hebrew mean “house of bread”–a double meaning, that told individual Israelites that from a place of nourishment, help was coming–in other words, not, this time, a general with a bigger bomb (or in that time, a larger spear!), but rather the “help” that would come would be inner nourishment for individual hearts and minds. The Gospel tells us how that help comes. It comes when we visit and take care of each other–which is what Mary and Elizabeth are doing. So, let’s prepare to celebrate Christ’s holy birth by caring for those who need it most. Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday!