2 Samuel 7: 1-5.8b-12. l4a.16
Psalm 89:2-3.4-5.27
Luke 1:67-79 Full Readings
Christmas at GreccioBlessed be God
Brethren, today we come to a conclusion of the story of annunciation, birth, naming of John the Baptist and defining his mission. This story has a divine intervention in the history of salvation as John the Baptist was to prepare the way for the saviour who is being born tomorrow on Christmas day. However, the story also consists of Zechariah being made mute as a result of doubting the message of Angel Gabriel. However yesterday, we saw him speaking again after naming the child, John, as the Angel had commanded at the annunciation. In the gospel today we see him filled with the Holy Spirit and praises God in the well known Benedictus which is said every morning in the liturgy of hours.
Zechariah starts blessing the Lord. Blessing the Lord is understood as praising God. Why is he praising God? Zechariah praises God for what he had done to his people throughout history, but above all for appointing John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Jesus the saviour of all the people from their sins. All in all Zechariah praises God for the wonderful deeds he had done in the life of Israel even sending his only begotten Son Jesus. Brethren, do you praise God for whatever he has done in your life?
Zechariah bursts out singing the ‘Benedictus’ just as the ‘Magnificat’ of Mary (Lk 1:46-56) and Hannah (1 Sam 2:1-11). Even if you think that your life and situations have been something close to hell this year, still “give thanks to God in all circumstances for that is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18). Really, our thanksgiving adds nothing to his greatness, rather it profits us for salvation. When David thought of building for the Lord from the little he had, God multiplied his blessings (2 Sam 7:9-16). May God give you a great cause for thanksgiving before the end of this year through Christ our Lord.
Zechariah is a model and example for those who have lacked faith, have suffered the consequences of their lack of faith, and have changed as a result. We see he is filled with the Holy Spirit.
As we prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Christ tomorrow on Christmas Day, we are also called to be “filled with the Holy Spirit” so that we also can act as a prophetic messenger of the Lord. Though Christmas is all about the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Christ Jesus our Lord, the Holy Spirit plays just as much of a significant role in the glorious event, both at that time and also today. Recall that it was by the Holy Spirit Who overshadowed Mother Mary that she conceived the Christ Child. In today’s Gospel, it was the Holy Spirit Who enabled Zechariah to proclaim the greatness of God’s act of sending John the Baptist ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him. Today, it must be the Holy Spirit Who fills our lives so as to enable us to proclaim the Christmas Truth.
In our day and age, Christmas has become very secular in many parts of the world. Few people take time on Christmas to truly pray and worship God for all that He has done. Few people continually proclaim that glorious message of the Incarnation to family and friends during this most solemn celebration. How about you? Are you able to be a true “prophet” of the Most High God this Christmas? Has the Holy Spirit overshadowed you and filled you with the grace needed to point others to this glorious reason for our celebration?
Reflect today on the person of Zechariah, once with doubt but later become an instrument of faith and praising God when he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to enlighten you so that we can prepare both spiritually and physically for the birth of the Messiah tomorrow. Prepare your heart so that it will receive the baby Jesus.
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, this night you will be born anew into our world, into my world. Together with Zechariah, I open my hands and heart to you in faith, you who forever hold me in your hands and heart. Come soon, and tarry not, Infant King. Purify my hope and strengthen my faith that I may receive you as you choose to come: lowly, humble, and human. Amen
Be blessed
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