Lord,
Today you lay before me a list of names, the genealogy of Jesus. At first glance, it seems like a dry list, but in reality, it is a river of life flowing into you, Jesus.
It is the patient weaving of history, proving that you do not come from nowhere, but are deeply anchored in the human race.
“Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.” (Matthew 1:17)
Write me into your history
Lord, I too have my genealogy, my own chain of ancestors. Some of them I remember, but most I do not even know.
All of them are a part of me, with their gifts and their wounds, with their faith and their doubts. Sometimes I forget this richness, this long chain of lives that has given me my own.
“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” (Deuteronomy 32:7)
Today I wish to honor these men and women who lived before me, and to thank you for them.
“Now let us praise noble men, our ancestors in their generation.” (Sirach 44:1)
Your faithfulness flows through the generations
Your plan of salvation did not stop at the mistakes or sins of the people mentioned in the gospel. Through all these men and women, you patiently wove the story of salvation.
Your faithfulness is a power that saves, for it transcends human frailty and unfaithfulness. You began with a promise to one man, Abraham.
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)
This was not just a fleeting promise, but an eternal covenant that you confirmed.
“I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17:7)
You continued the promise through King David, assuring him of the eternity of his house.
“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16)
And when all seemed lost, you kept hope alive through the prophets.
“‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.’” (Jeremiah 23:5)
And then You came, Jesus. The fulfillment of all promises. You came so that we might praise you.
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
Through baptism, you have grafted me onto this holy tree, and now I am part of this story, because I am simply Yours.
Because I am simply Yours, I am no longer just a descendant of my earthly family, but an heir according to the promise.
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)
Thank you, because in You my personal history, with its light and dark sides, finds eternal meaning. May this day, Lord, be a continuation of this story of salvation.
Amen.
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