Advent 4: C

First reading is Micah 's prophecy that Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means "House of Bread". An appropriate place for the Bread of Life to enter the world. The humble origin of the Messiah is also reflected in Mary and Elizabeth. Note that David was from Bethlehem but once the kings moved to Jerusalem they lost thier simple, humble style of life. Micah saw all to clearly the corruption that had taken place in Israel and Judah. His hope comes from a new beginning in a humbler setting.

How qucikly we forget where we come from. Our roots make us who we are at the core of our being. Change and growth can be good or bad depending upon what influences the change.

The episode of the visitation described by Luke in its simplicity and domesticity points to the humble origins of the Promised One.

The Gospel reflects the change from the Old Covenant to the New. Elizabeth, Zechariah and John represent the Old Covenant. Mary, Joseph and Jesus represent the New Covenant. We can see those of the Old acknowledging the presence of the New.