Today’s readings remind us of the long tradition of hoped for leadership in Israel’s history. In Genesis 49 Jacob blesses his son, Judah, foreshadowing the role that Davidic kings would play in the life of the people, a role symbolized by the image of the “lion recumbent,” embodying confident power. Psalm 72 celebrates the role of the ideal king, who governs with justice, who defends the afflicted and the poor, who brings a fullness of peace to all peoples. The Psalm’s picture of an ideal political situation is something for which we all pray, especially in these troubled times.  Matthew traces the genealogy of Jesus back through David all the way to Abraham, signaling that Jesus somehow fulfills Israel’s ancient hopes. Yet, Jesus did not do so as an ordinary human king. His followers probably applied Israel’s hopes and expectations to him, but his kingships turned out to be “not of this world.” After a ministry proclaiming the dawning of God’s kingdom in the midst of his followers this “lion of Judah,” as the book of Revelation describes him was slain like the Passover lamb. His life death and resurrection created a new people dedicated to the ideals enshrined in Israel’s messianic hopes, to justice, to protection for the poor and the weak, to true and lasting peace. As we wait to celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us reflect on the ways in which we can work to realize those hopes.