The Hebrew Bible lectionary reading this comes from Second Samuel 7 and reminds us of God’s longing to be with us, God’s never ceasing pursuit of God’s people…

” Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.” (2 Samuel 7:7-9 NRSV)

During an advent where many of us cannot gather in the places where we have traditionally gathered, and see those whom we would like to see, what a blessing to be reminded that God comes to us wherever we are, and is with us whatever we face. A colleague remarked to me recently that in 2020 we spent most of the year not knowing what was coming, but the season of Advent remind us that we do know Who is coming. Even as we wait God’s promised return during this especially poignant season of Advent let us be comforted by God’s relentless commitment to going with us, wherever we go, and this year more to the point, wherever we stay.

Let us pray:

Great God of love, we give you thanks that throughout history You have been with us. You have followed us when we have gone astray, and you have shielded us when things were going well. Even as we await your coming this advent, we know you are with us while we are apart, we ask you to link our hearts through your spirit, that we might sustain one another while distant as you have sustained us throughout our lives. We pray that you would grant us patience and wisdom as we watch and wait this advent, that we might protect one another, and recognize your work, your wisdom and your protection among us, until your return. Amen.