On this Sunday before Nativity, Fr. Gregory explains that the Church asks us to look back and remember the long journey that brought us to the threshold of Christmas. Today’s readings from Hebrews and Matthew trace the story of God’s promise — the promise of salvation, the promise of a redeemer, the promise that God himself would come to dwell among his people and make all things new. In today’s readings, the church sets this promise before us in three movements: the promise awaited, God’s pledge to redeem humanity embraced in faith by the patriarchs; the promise fulfilled, the birth of the redeemer and Word made flesh; and the promise received, the faith and obedience that welcomes Christ into our lives. Fr. Gregory encourages us to consider these three movements as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

This, Fr. Gregory says, is the Gospel. God has not forgotten his people. What he promised, he has done. Abraham looked for a city with foundations, and now, that city is among us. Its cornerstone is laid in a manger, and its builder and maker is God. Yet, the journey of faith continues. Like Abraham, we walk in hope toward the fullness of that city. Like Joseph, we are still called to trust in the midst of mystery. Like the magi, we still travel toward the light that shines in the darkness. The promise that once drew shepherds to Bethlehem now draws us to the altar of Christ, where the Word made flesh becomes our food and life. Let us, Fr. Gregory says, come with faith, gratitude, and joy, for the Lord has kept his word. The redeemer has come. The promise has been fulfilled, and it abides among us still.