Disappointment

Advent 4 – December 24

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

King David’s story is a great “rags to riches” story. He was the youngest son of his father in a time when the oldest son was the most important child. The oldest inherited the largest portion of his father’s wealth. When God sent Samuel to choose a new king (since Saul had disappointed God) David was out tending the sheep while his seven brothers were home. When God had rejected those seven, Samuel had to ask if Jesse had any other sons. David, the youngest, was almost forgotten. From the youngest and least important child in his family he became King of Israel. Truly a rags to riches story. Now living in the palace, he wanted to build a temple for God because it was God who chose him and God’s will that brought him power and riches. The prophet Nathan agreed and gave God’s approval to David’s plan.

But God did not desire a temple and Nathan had to return to David and tell him that God desired to remain housed in a tent. Although I suspect that David’s plan to build a temple might not have been completely and only for God. David did have an ego and often used his power to gain what he desired as kings are want to do. Whatever the reason, it certainly had to be a great disappointment to have his grand plans quashed. And Nathan, who encouraged David’s plans, had to share in that disappointment for Nathan showed loyalty to David and not God. Their story is not a rarity in the history of people nor in our own lives. Disappointment, disillusion, and inappropriate loyalty happens to us all.

How many times have you made plans only to have them smashed or gone astray? How many times have you assured someone of something only to have to return and tell them that you were wrong? It may not be a temple to God that we hope to build but it’s something important to us. This is the season that has great expectations. Just watch the children as they impatiently wait for Christmas day. It is not just children. It is you and I who have expectations and plans who have promised things that do not come to fruition. For that, God has a plan.

That plan is, in a sense, a riches to rags story. We usually do not dwell long on the story of the downfall of others. Unless, of course, it is to brag and build ourselves up. But the story I am thinking about is the story of Jesus. Jesus, who did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but instead, chose to give up the riches of heaven to take on our struggles and mistakes, our hopes and desires. He did so for you so that, in the end, your story is a rags to riches story. Your story is one that takes you from the power of sin and death into new life. The hard work is done for you. Knowing the end of the story already, you are called to share the story with others with all those gifts God has given you. This Christmas, look to Jesus as your example and not the Davids of the world so that, as you welcome the new-born savior, you will share the love you have received.